Murine-mhc-deficient hla-transgenic nod-mouse models for t1d therapy development

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice deficient in murine class I MHC molecules, class II molecules, or both class I and class II MHC molecules. The MHC knockout transgenic mice provided herein are useful, for example, for developing therapies for diabetes.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/163,334, filed Oct. 17, 2018, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 62/574,030, filed Oct. 18, 2017, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with government support under Grant Nos. 1F32DK111078, 3-PDF-2017-372-A-N, DK-46266, DK-95735, OD-020351-5022, OD-020351-5019, R01 DK064315, DK094327, AI119225, P30 CA013330, P60 DK020541, DK103368, and T32 GM007288 awarded by National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

REFERENCE TO AN ELECTRONIC SEQUENCE LISTING

The contents of the electronic sequence listing (J022770051US02-SEQ-HJD.xml; Size: 100,496 bytes; and Date of Creation: May 24, 2023) is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a highly polygenic autoimmune disorder in which T-cells destroy insulin producing pancreatic β-cells and involves complex interactions among developmental, genetic, and environmental factors. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice are used as an animal model for T1D, exhibiting a susceptibility to spontaneous development of autoimmune, T cell-mediated insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetes develops in NOD mice as a result of insulitis, a leukocytic infiltrate of the pancreatic islets. Despite the NOD mouse contributing to our knowledge of T1D pathogenesis, it has not proved an ideal model for developing therapies with clinical efficacy.

SUMMARY

Provided herein, in some aspects are improved mouse models for developing T1D therapies. In both humans and the NOD mouse, certain major histocompatibility complex (MHC; designated HLA in humans) class I and II variants are primary genetic contributors to T1D development by respectively mediating pathogenic CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T-cell responses. The first generation NOD.β2m^(−/−).HHD model (NOD mice homozygous for the β2m^(tm1Unc) mutation and carrying the HLA-A/H2-D/B2M transgene) expresses, in the absence of murine counterparts, the human HLA-A2.1 (also referred to as HLA-A*02:01) class I variant (belonging to the HLA-A2 allele group) linked to disease in ˜60% of T1D patients through an ability to support pathogenic CD8⁺ T-cell responses.

Another strain of T1D susceptible HLA-humanized mice, NOD.β2m^(−/−).B39, was also recently developed; however, because β2m (β2-microglobulin) is a critical component of the FcRn complex and IgG salvage pathways, these first generation HLA-humanized NOD mice are not appropriate for testing antibody-based therapies. The present disclosure provides, in some aspects, complete murine class I ablated NOD mice (NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)) as well as NOD-H2-D^(b−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(d−/−) mice, to separate the independent contributions of these common MHC I variants to diabetes. This NOD.MHCI^(−/−) stock has been used, as provided herein, as a platform for generating improved humanized models by introducing T1D relevant HLA class I A2.1 and B39 variants. The present disclosure also provides, in some aspects a complete classical-MHC-deficient NOD stock in which H2-Ab1^(g7) has also been ablated (NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−)). Such a model can be utilized, for example, to introduce selected combinations of HLA class I and II genes linked to diabetes development and test potential clinical interventions tailored to specific HLA combinations.

Thus, some aspects of the present disclosure provide a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising a mutation in a gene encoding H2-K (e.g., H2-K1^(d)) and/or a mutation of a gene encoding H2-D (e.g., H2-D1^(b)) in the genome of the NOD mouse. In some embodiments, the genome of the NOD mouse further comprises a mutation of a gene encoding H2-A (e.g., for example, the beta chain of H2-A, i.e., H2-Ab1). A gene encoding H2-K is herein referred to as a H2-K gene. A gene encoding H2-D is herein referred to as a H2-D gene. A gene encoding H2-A is herein referred to as a H2-A gene.

Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a homozygous mutation in H2-Ab1^(g7) (e.g., designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-Ab1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs)/Dvs).

Other aspects of the present disclosure provide a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a human HLA-A2 transgene (e.g., designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-A/H2-D/B2M)1Dvs/Dvs).

Yet other aspects of the present disclosure provide a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a homozygous mutation in H2-D1, a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a human HLA-B39 transgene (e.g., designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-B39/H2-D/B2M)2Dvs/Dvs).

Further, the present disclosure, in some aspects, provides methods of producing the genetically modified NOD mouse of any one of the embodiments herein using CRISPR/Cas genome editing to introduce at least one of the mutations into the genome of the NOD mouse.

Also provided herein are cells comprising a homozygous mutation in the H2-K genes and/or a homozygous mutation in the H2-D genes in the genome of the cell. In some embodiments, the cells further comprise a homozygous mutation in the H2-A genes in the genome of the cell.

The present disclosure, in other aspects, provides methods comprising administering a test agent to the genetically modified NOD mouse of any one of the embodiments herein, and assaying the genetically modified NOD mouse for a symptom of diabetes.

Additional methods comprise, in some aspects, introducing into the genome of the genetically modified NOD mouse of any one of the embodiments here a nucleic acid encoding a human MHC class I molecule and/or a nucleic acid encoding a human MHC class II molecule, and producing a humanized NOD mouse comprising a genome that expresses the human MHC class I molecule and/or expresses the human MHC class II molecule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B. HLA-humanized non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice lack classical, but not non-classical MHC I molecules. (FIGS. 1A-1B) Representative histograms showing splenic B-cell expression of H2-D, H2-K, CD1d, transgenic human HLA class I, or splenic CD4⁺ T-cell expression of Qa-2, comparing NOD and β2m^(−/−) controls to NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2 (FIG. 1A) or NOD.β2m^(−/−)-B39 mice (FIG. 1B).

FIGS. 2A-2I. Novel, direct-in-NOD H2-D knockout mouse generated with CRISPR/Cas9. (FIG. 2A) Diagram (top) and sequence trace (bottom) showing guide sequence (bold) and PAM site within exon 2 of H2-D1^(b) (GTACCGGGGCTCCTCGAGGC; SEQ ID NO:3) used to generated NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice (officially designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-D1^(em4Dvs)/Dvs). The subscript nucleotide represents the H₂-D1^(em4Dvs) mutation that is denoted with * on the sequence trace where that nucleotide is missing. (FIG. 2B) Representative flow cytometry histogram showing expression of H2-D and H2-K antibody staining on the surface of splenic B-cells comparing 10-week-old female NOD, NOD.β2m^(−/−) and NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 2C) Quantification of the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of H2-D and H2-K antibody staining on splenic B-cells showing Mean±SEM. (FIG. 2D) Representative flow cytometry showing CD4 vs CD8 of gated CD45.1⁺ thymocytes comparing 10-week-old female NOD and NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice. (FIGS. 2E-2F) Quantification of percentage (FIG. 2E) and yield (FIG. 2F) of CD45.1⁺ thymic subsets showing Mean±SEM. (FIG. 2G) Representative flow cytometry showing amongst splenocytes TCRβ vs FSC-A (top) and amongst TCRβ-gated CD4 vs CD8 (bottom) from 10-week-old female mice. (FIGS. 2H-2I) Percent CD8⁺ amongst TCRβ-gated cells (FIG. 2H) and yield (FIG. 2I) of spleen and PancLN CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells showing Mean±SEM. All scatter plots plot individual mice (9-16 mice per group per analysis) pooled from two to three experiments.

FIGS. 3A-3I. Novel, direct-in-NOD H2-K knockout mouse generated with CRISPR/Cas9. (FIG. 3A) Diagram (top) and sequence trace (bottom) showing guide sequence (bold) and PAM site within exon 3 of H2-K1^(d) (TGGTGATGCAGAGTATTACA; SEQ ID NO:6) used to generate NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice (officially designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em4Dvs)/Dvs). The subscript nucleotides represent the H₂-K1^(em4Dvs) mutation that is denoted with * on the sequence trace where those nucleotides are missing. (FIG. 3B) Representative flow cytometry histogram showing expression of H2-D and H2-K on the cell surface of splenic B-cells comparing 10-15-week-old female NOD, NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 3C) Quantification of the MFI of H2-D and H2-K antibody staining on splenic B-cells showing Mean±SEM. Individual mice are plotted and there are 7-15 mice per group combined from two experiments. (FIG. 3D) Representative flow cytometry showing CD4 vs CD8 of gated CD45.1⁺ thymocytes comparing 10-15-week-old female NOD and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice. (FIGS. 3E-3F) Quantification of percentage (FIG. 3E) and yield (FIG. 3F) of CD45.1⁺ thymic subsets showing Mean±SEM, using 8-15 mice per group combined from five experiments. (FIG. 3G) Representative flow cytometry showing amongst splenocytes Thy1.2 vs FSC-A (top) and amongst Thy1.2-gated CD4 vs CD8 (bottom) from 10-week-old female mice to 15-week-old female mice. (FIGS. 3H-3I) Percent CD8⁺ amongst Thy1.2-gated cells (FIG. 3H) and yield (FIG. 3I) of spleen and PancLN CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells showing Mean±SEM 8-16 mice per group combined from six experiments.

FIGS. 4A-4G. NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) have decreased diabetes and insulitis. (FIG. 4A) T1D incidence curves for NOD, NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) female mice. NOD is combined from two independent cohorts of 15 and 16 mice respectively. (FIG. 4B) Mean insulitis score of 10-week-old mice to 15-week-old mice. (FIG. 4C) Mean insulitis score of mice after 30 weeks of age, with diabetics automatically receiving a score of 4. (FIG. 4D) Representative flow cytometry of NOD, NOD-H2-D^(−/−), and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) showing Thy1.2 amongst islet-infiltrating cells (top), CD4 vs CD8 amongst gated T-cells (middle), and CD44 vs CD62L amongst gated islet CD8⁺ T-cells (bottom). (FIGS. 4E-4F) Quantification of percent Thy1.2⁺ amongst islet infiltrating cells (FIG. 4E), CD4 and CD8 amongst islet Thy1.2⁺ cells (FIG. 4F) and percent CD44⁺CD62L⁻ effector, CD44^(−/−)CD62L⁺ naïve, and CD44⁺CD62L⁺ central memory CD8⁺ T-cells (FIG. 4G) showing NOD vs NOD-H2-D^(−/−) vs NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice. NOD-H2-K^(−/−) data includes 8 mice from the other two NOD-H2-K^(−/−) lines described in FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIGS. 5A-5F. Novel direct-in-NOD H2-D/H2-K double knockout mice generated by CRISPR/Cas9. (FIG. 5A) Diagram and sequencing traces showing location of guides and mutations in exon 2 of H2-D1^(b) (top) (GTACATCTCTGTCGGCTATG; SEQ ID NO:9) and H2-K1^(d) (bottom) (ATAATCCGAGATTTGAGCCG; SEQ ID NO:12). Guide sequence is bold, mutations are marked by subscripted nucleotides, and marked on the sequencing trace with a *. Strain officially designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs)/Dvs. (FIG. 5B) Representative flow cytometry histogram (top) showing expression of H2-D and H2-K on the surface of splenic B-cells comparing 10-week-old female NOD, NOD.β2m^(−/−) and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice. Quantification of the MFI of H2-D and H2-K antibody staining on splenic B-cells showing Mean±SEM (bottom). Individual mice are plotted and are combined from two independent experiments. There are 5-10 mice per group combined from two experiments. (FIG. 5C) Representative flow cytometry showing amongst splenocytes TCRβ vs FSC-A (top) and amongst TCRβ-gated CD4 vs CD8 (bottom) from 10-week-old female mice. (FIG. 5D) Yield of splenic CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells showing Mean±SEM, 5-23 mice per group combined from five experiments. (FIG. 5E) T1D incidence comparing NOD, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) and NOD.β2m^(−/−) female mice. (FIG. 5F) Mean insulitis score at end of incidence showing 9-15 mice per group, with diabetic mice receiving a score of 4.

FIGS. 6A-6M. Novel NOD-cMHC1^(−/−)-HLA mice retain non-classical MHCI, NKT-cells and FcRn functionality. A2 or B39 expressing transgenes were crossed into NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice to generate the NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 (official designation NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs)Tg(HLA-A/H2-D/B2M)1Dvs/Dvs) and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 stocks (official designation NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-B39/H2-D/B2M)2Dvs/Dvs). (FIGS. 6A-6B) Representative spleen flow cytometry of gated TCRβ⁺ cells showing a comparison of CD4 vs CD8 T-cell subset levels in NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 (FIG. 6A) or NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 (FIG. 6B) to NOD and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice. Data is representative of at least 10 mice per group examined from 8-20 weeks of age across three separate experiments. (FIGS. 6C-6F) Representative histograms showing H2-D (FIG. 6C), H2-K (FIG. 6D), HLA class I (FIG. 6E), and CD1d (FIG. 6F) expression on gated splenic B-cells from NOD (solid line), NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA-A2 or HLA-B39 (dashed line), and NOD.β2m^(−/−)-HLA (shaded—FIG. 6C, 6F) or NOD.β2m^(−/−) (shaded—FIGS. 6D-6E) mice. (FIG. 6G) Representative histograms showing Qa-2 expression on gated splenic CD4⁺ T-cells from NOD (solid line), NOD.β2m^(−/−)-HLA (shaded line), and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA (dashed line) mice. (FIGS. 6H-6I) Representative flow cytometry showing staining of gated splenic TCRβ⁺ cells with a CD1d-α-GalCer tetramer vs FSC-A comparing NOD, NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 (FIG. 6H) or NOD.β2m^(−/−)-B39 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 (FIG. 6I). (FIG. 6J) T1D incidence and end of incidence survivor insulitis (FIG. 6K) for female NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 mice. (FIGS. 6L-6M) NOD, NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2, and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 mice were injected on Day 0 with mouse IgG1 (1B7.11) (FIG. 6L) and humanized IgG1 (Herceptin) (FIG. 6M) at 10 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg (0.1 ml/20 g body weight) respectively. Blood was obtained on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after injection. Plasma was frozen at −20° C. until the end of the study. Data is plotted as Mean±SEM of remaining antibody detectable in the blood. Data for NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2 mice on days 14, 21, 28 (1B7.11) and day 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 (Herceptin) were below the detection limit of the ELISA. There were 8-10 mice per group per time point.

FIGS. 7A-7J. Novel direct-in-NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 7A) Diagram showing sgRNA guide (bold) and PAM sites within exon 2 of H2-Ab1^(g7) (CCAACGGGACGCAGCGCATA (SEQ ID NO:15); CGACGTGGGCGAGTACCGCG (SEQ ID NO:16); CGAAGCGCAGGTACTCCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 17); ACACAACTACGAGGAGACGG (SEQ ID NO:18). (FIG. 7B) Alignment diagram showing location of a 181 base pair (bp) deletion within exon 2 of H2-Ab1 with guide sites listed in bold. Resultant NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice officially designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-Ab1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs)/Dvs. (FIG. 7C) Representative flow cytometry panels showing H2-A, H2-K, and H2-D expression on gated splenic B-cells. (FIG. 7D) Quantification of MFI antibody staining for each MHC comparing NOD and NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 7E) Representative flow cytometry panel showing percent Thy1.2⁺ amongst splenocytes. (FIG. 7F) Quantification of % Thy1.2⁺ cells comparing NOD, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) and NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. Data is combined from two experiments showing 9-10 female mice per group at 9-12 weeks of age. (FIG. 7G) Representative flow cytometry panel showing percent TCRγδ vs TCRβ amongst Thy1.2⁺ cells. (FIG. 7H) Quantification of % TCRαβ vs TCRγδ comparing NOD, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) and NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 7I) Quantification of the yield of CD4⁺ (CD1d-α-GalCer⁻), CD8⁺, NKT (CD4⁺ and CD4⁻CD1d-α-GalCer⁺) and CD4⁻CD8⁻Thy1.2⁺TCRβ⁺ T-cells. (FIG. 7J) Mean insulitis score at 9-12 weeks of age comparing NOD and NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice.

FIGS. 8A-8C. Diabetes incidence (and fate) of additional lines generated during this work. Diabetes incidence of additional knockout lines generated in this work. (FIG. 8A) Grey lines show NOD-H2-D^(em4Dvs) and one of the two cohorts of NOD presented in FIG. 4 . Founder KZ00009 carried an 11 bp deletion and generated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-D1^(em1Dvs)/Dvs a line that was run through complete diabetes incidence but is now extinct. Founder KZ00007 carried a 2 bp deletion in exon 2 and generated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-D1^(em3Dvs)/Dvs mice. Founder KZ00041 carried a 16 bp deletion within exon 2 and was backcrossed to NOD for a 2^(nd) time before intercrossing to generate NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-D1^(em2Dvs)/Dvs mice. Mutations em3Dvs and em2Dvs have been frozen as sperm. For Batch 1 PCR primers described in methods, PCR conditions using DreamTaq polymerase were as follows: 0.6 μM each primer, 1.5×PCRx Enhancer, 0.4 mM dNTPs. 95° 45 s, 67.5° 45 s, 72° 45 s, for 35 cycles. Batch 2 PCR cycles were as follows: 95° 30 s, 61° 30 s, 72° 45 s, for 35 cycles. (FIG. 8B) Founder LK00086 was crossed to NOD and two separate mutations in exon 3 were identified a 1 bp (FIG. 8C) insertion (NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em3Dvs)/Dvs) and 1 bp deletion (NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em6Dvs)/Dvs). Heterozygous pups carrying the em5Dvs mutation were intercrossed and homozygosity was determined by flow cytometry. A single mouse carrying the em6Dvs mutation was backcrossed to NOD for a 2^(nd) generation. Heterozygous pups were then crossed to fix for homozygosity but has not been further analyzed. Founder LK00095 was derived from a 2^(nd) guide targeting H2-K1 (GTATTACAGGGCCTACCTAG) (SEQ ID NO:21) and was crossed to NOD, and a single bp (T) insertion being identified in exon 3 (NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em7Dvs)/Dvs). Homozygosity was fixed as previously described. All lines have been frozen as sperm. For H2-K1 primers described in the methods, PCR conditions using DreamTaq polymerase were as follows: 0.8 M each primer, 1×PCRx Enhancer, 0.4 mM dNTPs. 95° 30 s, 60° 30 s, 72° 45 s, for 35 cycles. (FIG. 8C) Founder LM00014 generated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em2Dvs) H2-D1^(em6Dvs)/Dvs, a line carrying a 1 bp insertion within exon 2 of H2-D1 paired with an 8 bp deletion and 4 bp insertion within exon 2 of H2-K1. Founder LM00035 was generated with a different guide for H2-D1 (AGATGTACCGGGGCTCCTCG) (SEQ ID NO:22) paired with the aforementioned H2-K1 guide. A single line carrying a 10 bp deletion within exon 2 of H2-D1 paired with a 2 bp deletion within exon 2 of H2-K1 was generated. A heterozygous pup was backcrossed to NOD for a 2^(nd) generation. Pups from this cross were then intercrossed to generate NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em3Dvs) H2-D1^(em7Dvs)/Dvs. The two lines carrying H2-K1^(em2Dvs) H2-D1^(em6Dvs) and H2-K1^(em3Dvs) H₂-D1^(em7Dvs) have been frozen as sperm. PCR conditions for H2-D1 were performed as in FIG. 8A. For H2-K1 primers described for NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice in methods, PCR conditions using DreamTaq polymerase were as follows: 0.6 M each primer, 1.5×PCRx Enhancer, 0.4 mM dNTPs. 95° 30 s, 61° 30 s, 72° 45 s, for 35 cycles.

FIG. 9 . Validation of H2-K1^(d) and/or H2-D1^(b) ablation across other splenic subsets. For NOD-H2-D^(−/−), NOD-H2-K^(−/−), and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice Median Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) of H2-K^(d) or H2-D^(b) antibody staining on splenic subsets is shown as Mean±SEM. Data displayed is a separate group of 5-9 mice per strain than the B-cell analyses presented in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 .

FIG. 10 . Qa-2 Expression reduced in NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA mice compared to NOD mice. Quantification of the Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) of Qa-2 antibody staining on splenic CD4⁺ T-cells from 8-week-old mice to 20-week-old mice comparing NOD vs NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice. NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice are shown for background. Data is combined from four separate experiments. Data is presented as Mean±SEM.

FIGS. 11A-11B. T-cell subsets in NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 11A) Representative flow cytometry showing CD4 vs CD8 amongst splenic Thy1.2⁺ TCRαβ⁺ cells in NOD, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) and NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. (FIG. 11B) Representative flow cytometry showing CD4 vs CD1d-α-GalCer amongst splenic Thy1.2⁺ TCRαβ⁺ cells in NOD, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) and NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. For PCR primers described in the methods, PCR conditions using Platinum SuperFi Taq were as follows: 0.6 M each primer, 1× SuperFi GC Enhancer, 0.4 mM dNTPs. 98° 10 s, 68.7° 10 s, 72° 15 s, for 40 cycles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice have greatly advanced knowledge of the genetics and pathogenic mechanisms underlying autoimmune mediated type 1 diabetes (T1D) (1). However, NOD mice have been less successful as a model for translating this knowledge into clinically applicable therapies (2). A potential way to improve NOD as a pre-clinical platform is to “humanize” the strain with a variety of genes relevant to T1D patients (3; 4). A desired humanization process would turn an inbred mouse potentially representing one T1D patient profile, into a multiplex platform capable of representing an array of such individuals. Such pipeline models could be used to test therapies with potential efficacy in heterogeneous at-risk T1D subjects.

While polygenic in nature, specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC, designated HLA in humans) haplotypes provide the strongest T1D risk factor (5; 6). Hence, a flexible panel of HLA-“humanized” NOD mice may provide improved models for testing potentially clinically applicable T1D interventions. In humans, particular HLA class II variants such as DQ8 and DR3/4 mediating autoreactive CD4⁺ T-cell responses strongly contribute to T1D susceptibility (7-9). Similarly, the murine H2-A^(g7) class II variant, highly homologous with the human DQ8 molecule, is a primary T1D contributor in NOD mice (10). However, findings that NOD mice made deficient in MHC class I expression and CD8⁺ T-cells by introduction of an inactivated β2m allele (NOD.β2m^(−/−)) are completely T1D resistant (11) indicated this immunological arm is also critical to disease development. It was subsequently found that particular HLA class I variants also contribute to T1D susceptibility in patients (12-16). Thus, a desirable pipeline model system would enable generation of NOD mice expressing chosen combinations of human T1D associated HLA class I and II variants in the absence of their murine counterparts that could then serve to test potential clinically relevant disease interventions.

T1D associated class I susceptibility variants in humans include HLA-A*02:01 (hereafter HLA-A2.1) and HLA-B*39:06 (hereafter B39) (12-19). HLA-A2 is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the DR4/DQ8 class II haplotype, the primary contributor to T1D development in Caucasians (14). Hence, the A2 class I variant will be present in the preponderance of T1D patients. While representing a relatively low frequency allele, the B39 variant supports aggressive early age of onset T1D development (15; 16). The original HHD transgene construct contains the genomic promoter and first three exons of HLA-A*02:01, encoding the antigen presenting α1 and α2 domains, and a covalently linked human β2m with the α3, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains of murine H2-D^(b) origin allowing for proper signaling within mice (20). When introduced into normally disease-resistant NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice, HHD transgene expression of HLA-A2.1 in the absence of any murine class I molecules restored the generation of pathogenic CD8⁺ T-cells mediating insulitis and T1D development (21). These mice allowed identification of HLA-A2.1 restricted autoantigenic epitopes derived from the pancreatic 3-cell proteins insulin and IGRP (21-23) also targeted by CD8⁺ T-cells from human patients expressing this class I variant (24-29). This subsequently led to development of some proof-of-principle antigen-specific therapeutics (30). The B39 variant appears to be a highly potent human T1D contributory class I molecule particularly in terms of promoting early age disease onset (12; 17-19). Introduction of a modified HHD transgene-cassette, in the absence of murine class I molecules, induced expression of the α1 and α2 domains of B39, rather than A2 with the rest of the construct remaining as originally described (20), also restored generation of T1D inducing CD8⁺ T-cells in NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice (31). These findings illustrate the potential of having patient-derived models for testing possible T1D therapies.

The first-generation HLA-A2 and HLA-B39 transgenics required pairing with the β2m^(−/−) mutation to eliminate murine MHC I expression. While β2m^(−/−) mice lack expression of the classical murine H2-D and H2-K MHC class I molecules, this mutation additionally ablates non-classical MHC molecules such as CD1d and Qa-2, potentially altering immune processes. β2m^(−/−) mice also lack expression of FcRn, a non-classical MHC I molecule critical for serum IgG and albumin homeostasis pathways including processing and presentation of IgG complexed antigens to T-cells (32-35). Hence, β2m^(−/−) NOD mouse models are unsuited for investigating potential antibody-based or serum albumin-based (36) T1D interventions. To overcome these hurdles, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to generate novel NOD stocks in which the classical H2-K1^(d) and H2-D1^(b) class I genes were directly ablated individually or in tandem (respectively designated NOD-H2-K⁴—, NOD-H2-D^(−/−). and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)). We then genetically eliminated the H2-Ag class II variant in NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice resulting in a strain fully lacking classical murine MHC molecules (NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−)). These strains retain β2m dependent FcRn activity and can be used as platforms for the introduction of selected combinations of T1D patient relevant HLA class I and II variants. As a first step in validating such second-generation HLA-humanized models, we report HLA-A2 or B39 encoding HHD transgenes support development of T1D inducing CD8⁺ T-cells in such strains.

“Humanization” of NOD mice allowing expression of chosen HLA combinations has potential to facilitate the mechanistic analysis and development of clinically translatable T1D interventions based on individualized human genetic configurations. Towards that goal, our earlier work described NOD mice expressing the common T1D associated human HLA-A*02:01 class I allele (21; 45). We recently further advanced these resources (31) by transgenically introducing the T1D-susceptibility HLA-B*39:06 class I variant (12; 17-19) into NOD mice. While a relatively low abundance allele, the human B9 class I variant supports aggressive early onset T1D (15; 16) seemingly independent of HLA class II effects (12). The continued expansion of HLA susceptibility alleles in NOD mice is essential for improving the ability of mouse models to test therapeutics for genetically diverse T1D patient populations, as a therapy that may work with the common HLA-A2 allele in place may not be sufficient for the earlier onset disease associated with HLA-B39 (15; 16). We should note that not all HLA class I alleles are capable of supporting T1D in NOD mice, as transgenic expression of HLA-B27 actually inhibits disease development (45).

In the course of these studies, we generated NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice enabling assessment of the individual contributions of these two genes to T1D development. The lack of either class I variant decreased T1D development indicating a requirement for both H2-D and H2-K restricted antigens in disease pathogenesis. Initial analysis indicates islet-infiltrating CD8⁺ T-cells in H2-K^(−/−) mice have a more activated phenotype than in NOD or NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice. It is currently unknown why while proportionally increased, islet-effector CD8⁺ T-cells in NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice appear to have dampened pathogenic activity. Work is currently underway to determine specific T-cell populations present and absent within each of these new strains, and how they lead to the seeming discordance between effector status versus insulitis levels.

Our previous generation NOD-HLA-humanized models rely on the β2m^(−/−) mutation to eliminate murine MHC I class I expression. β2m plays important roles in immune function beyond stabilizing H2-K and H2-D molecules on the cell surface. The NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 models described herein retain non-classical MHC I molecules as evidenced by CD1d and Qa-2 expression (FIG. 6 ). While NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 mice both express Qa-2, they do so at lower levels than in NOD controls (FIG. 10 ). Due to its association with early onset of T1D in humans (15; 16), we were surprised at the low level of disease in first generation NOD.β2m^(−/−)-B39 mice (31). Interestingly, more robust T1D development was observed when HLA-B39 was expressed in NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice compared to when the same transgene was paired with an ablated β2m molecule (31). This suggests there may be a significant contribution(s) of non-classical MHC I molecules to T1D development in the context of HLA-B39 restricted pathogenic CD8⁺ T-cells. This might include an ability of Qa1 to modulate NK cell activity (46). Previous studies found T1D development is exacerbated in CD1d^(−/−) NOD mice (47). Thus, failure to express the non-classical CD1d MHC class I molecule is unlikely to explain the lower T1D penetrance in NOD.β2m^(−/−)-B39 than NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 mice. However, we cannot yet rule out that a CD1d-restricted NKT cell population in NOD-MHCI^(−/−)-HLA mice takes on a more pathogenic phenotype (48). Polymorphic genes in the congenic region surrounding B2m may contribute to decreased disease penetrance in NOD.β2m^(−/−)-HLA mice. This possible bystander-gene effect is avoided in NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA mice. Finally, another important feature of the reported HLA-humanized NOD direct-murine MHC knockout mice is that they retain FcRn functionality, allowing them to be used to test potential antibody and serum albumin-based T1D interventions.

While the NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 models described here are improvements on the β2m^(−/−) varieties, they are an intermediate step to full HLA I and II humanization as they retain the murine H2-A^(g7) T1D susceptibility molecule. In their current state, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 mice can serve to identify 3-cell autoantigens presented by these human class I antigens to diabetogenic CD8⁺ T-cells, and to test therapies that may attenuate such pathogenic effectors. These models may be improved by replacing murine H2-Ab1^(g7) with human HLA class II transgenes. Towards this end, the NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice provided herein are the ideal platform for introducing any combination of HLA class I- and II-encoding transgenes. In this manner, flexible models can be generated for subpopulations of T1D patients expressing various HLA class I- and II-allelic combinations. We were surprised that in the absence of all classical MHC molecules, T-cells still constituted ˜12% of splenocytes in NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. While we cannot completely rule out non-classical H2-Aa/Ep heterodimers forming in this model, to date we have been unable to detect them via available MHC II reactive antibodies (AMS32.1, M5/114, AF6-120, 10-2.16, 17-3-3). We speculate that in the absence of classical MHC molecules, T-cells selected on non-classical MHC molecules have space to expand in these new models. These may include Type II NKT cells, which are not detected by CD1d-α-GalCer tetramers, MR1 restricted MAIT cells, and other class Ib selected T-cells (49). Additionally, CD90 (with antigen presenting cell co-stimulation) can trigger T-cell proliferation in the absence of TCR engagement (50). Thus, T-cells may undergo non-classical CD90-based selection/homeostatic expansion in NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice. Therefore, in addition for its utility in generating new models with differing HLA class I and II allelic combinations, these NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) may be useful in studying non-classically selected T-cells.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a homozygous mutation in H2-Ab1^(g7) (e.g., designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-Ab1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs)/Dvs).

In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a human HLA-A2 transgene (e.g., designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-A/H2-D/B2M)1Dvs/Dvs).

In yet other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a human HLA-B39 transgene (e.g., designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-B39/H2-D/B2M)2Dvs/Dvs).

A (at least one, one or more) mutation in a gene may be an insertion, a deletion, a substitution, and/or other modification of the nucleotide sequence of the gene. In some embodiments, a gene mutation reduces expression of the gene (e.g., by at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%), relative to a control (e.g., a gene not having the mutation). In other embodiments, a gene mutation eliminates expression of gene (e.g., the product of the gene, e.g., the protein encoded by the gene, cannot be detected, e.g., using antibody detection methods). A heterozygous mutation refers to a mutation in only one of the two copies (alleles) of a gene. A homozygous mutation refers to a mutation in both copies (alleles) of a gene.

A gene knockout (“KO”) refers to a gene that has been made inoperative (“knocked out” of the mouse genome). A gene that has been “knocked out” does not express the product (e.g., protein) encoded by the gene. For example, a H2-K1^(d) knockout does not express H2-K. Likewise, a H2-D1^(b) knockout does not express H2-D. As another example, a H2-Ab1^(g7) knockout does not express H2-A.

Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mouse Model

The NOD/ShiLtJ strain (commonly referred to as NOD) is a polygenic model for autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D). Diabetes in NOD mice is characterized by hyperglycemia and insulitis, a leukocytic infiltration of the pancreatic islets. Marked decreases in pancreatic insulin content occur in females at about 12 weeks of age and several weeks later in males. A 2017 phenotyping study found that 90% of females and 52% of males became diabetic by 30 weeks; median female incidence was 18 weeks. Immune phenotypes in the NOD background consist of defects in antigen presentation, T lymphocyte repertoire, NK cell function, macrophage cytokine production, wound healing, and C5 complement. These defects make the NOD background a common choice for immunodeficient mouse strains. See The Jackson Laboratory website for additional details on the NOD mouse model.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

Some aspects of the present disclosure provide genetically modified NOD mice comprising a mutation in a gene encoding major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule (e.g., H2-K gene and/or H2-D gene) and/or a mutation in a gene encoding a MHC class II molecule (e.g., H2-A gene). In some embodiments, a genetically modified NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K gene. In some embodiments, a genetically modified NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-D gene. In some embodiments, a genetically modified NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K gene and a mutation in a H2-D gene. In some embodiments, a genetically modified NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K gene, a mutation in a H2-D gene, and a mutation in a H2-A gene.

The MHC is a set of cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system to recognize foreign molecules in vertebrates, which in turn determines histocompatibility. The main function of MHC molecules is to bind to antigens derived from pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells (Janeway et al. Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. 5th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2001).

The MHC gene family is divided into three subgroups: class I, class II, and class III. class I MHC molecules have β2 subunits so can only be recognized by CD8 co-receptors. class II MHC molecules have β1 and β2 subunits and can be recognized by CD4 co-receptors.

The MHC in mice is known as the H2 complex or H2.

Mouse MHC includes the “classical MHC class I” (MHC-Ia) that includes subclasses H2-D, H2-K, and H2-L, the “non-classical MHC class I” (MHC-Ib) that includes subclasses H2-Q, H2-M, and H2-T, the “classical MHC class II” (MHC-IIa) that includes subclasses H2-A(I-A) and H2-E (I-E), and the “non-classical MHC class II” (MHC-IIb) that includes subclasses H2-M and H2-O. MHC class I molecules is composed of a 45 kD highly glycosylated heavy chain non-covalently associated with a 12 kD β2-microglobulin, a polypeptide that is also found free in serum. Mouse MHC class II genes are located in the H2 I region. The class II antigen is composed of a 33 kD α chain and a 28 kD β chain. MHC class I antigens are expressed on almost all nucleated cells. They play a role in presentation of altered self cell antigens (virally infected or tumor cells) to CD8⁺ cytotoxicity T cells. The MHC class II antigens are expressed on antigen presenting cells (B cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, and Langerhans cells, etc.). They are involved in presentation of processed peptide antigens to CD4⁺ cells. MHC molecules are highly polymorphic. In general, each laboratory mouse strain is homozygous and has a unique MHC haplotype. The MHC haplotype in these strains is designated by a small letter (a, b, d, k, q, s, etc.). Specific information on the haplotype of most known mouse strains may be found in Klein et al. (1983) Immunogenetics 17(6):553-96.

The major histocompatibility locus haplotype of an animal may be determined, in some embodiments, through conventional typing methods, for example, where outbred animals are used, or from known information concerning the genetic characteristics of the animal.

In some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K gene. In some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-D gene. In some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K gene and a mutation in a H2-D gene. The H2-K gene may be, for example, a H2-K^(d) gene. The H2-D gene may be, for example, a H2-D^(b) gene. Thus, in some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K^(d) gene and a mutation in a H2-D^(b) gene (NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)).

The genome of a NOD mouse, in some embodiments, further comprises a mutation in a H2-A gene. The H2-A gene may be, for example, a H2-Ab1^(g7) gene. In some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K gene, a mutation in a H2-D gene, and a mutation in a H2-A gene. Thus, in some embodiments, the genome of a mouse comprises a mutation in a H2-K^(d) gene, a H2-D^(b) gene, and a H2-Ab1^(g7) gene (NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−)).

The human MHC is also called the HLA (human leukocyte antigen). In human, the MHC class I molecules include HLA-A (e.g., HLA-A1, HLA-A2), HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, HLA-F, HLA-G, HLA-K, and HLA-L molecules. Classical human MHC class I molecules include HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C.

In human, the MHC class II molecules include HLA-DP (e.g., HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1), HLA-DQ (e.g., HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1), HLA-DR (e.g., HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3, HLA-DRB4, HLA-DRB5), HLA-DM, HLA-DOA, and HLA-DOB. Classical human MHC class II molecules include HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRA, and HLA-DRB1.

In some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-A, a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-B, or a nucleic acid encoding a human HLA-A gene and a nucleic acid encoding a human HLA-B gene. In some embodiments, the HLA-A is HLA-A*02:01 (also referred to as HLA-A2). In some embodiments, the HLA-B is HLA-B*39:06 (also referred to as HLB-B39). Thus, in some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse further comprises a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-A2, a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-B39, or a nucleic acid encoding a human HLA-A2 gene and a nucleic acid encoding a human HLA-B39 gene. In some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DQ, a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DR, or a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DQ and a nucleic acid encoding HLA-DR. In some embodiments, the HLA-DQ is HLA-DQ8 (Nabozny G et al. J. Exp. Med. 1996; 183: 27-37). In some embodiments, the HLA-DR is HLA-DR3/4. Thus, in some embodiments, the genome of a NOD mouse of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DQ8, a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DR3/4, or a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DQ8 and a nucleic acid encoding HLA-DR3/4.

The genetically modified NOD mice of the present disclosure advantageously retain non-classical murine MHC I molecule expression and FcRn activity (unlike NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice), enabling use of the mice for the development of antibody-based T1D interventions. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), also known as the Brambell receptor, is an Fc receptor which is similar in structure to the MHC class I molecule and also associates with β2-microglobulin. It was first discovered in rodents as a unique receptor capable of transporting IgG from mother's milk across the epithelium of newborn rodent's gut into the newborn's bloodstream. Further studies revealed a similar receptor in humans. In humans, however, it is found in the placenta to help facilitate transport of mother's IgG to the growing fetus and it has also been shown to play a role in monitoring IgG turnover (Kuo et al., Neonatal Fc receptor and IgG-based therapeutics, mAbs, 2011, 3 (5): 422-430). Mouse models lacking FcRN activity, which is required for IgG maintenance, cannot be used for testing antibody-based T1D interventions.

Genetically Modified Mice

A genetically modified mouse (Mus musculus) is a mouse that has had its genome altered through the use of genetic engineering techniques. Genetically modified mice are commonly used for research or as animal models of human diseases, and are also used for research on genes. There are three basic technical approaches for producing genetically modified mice.

The first involves pronuclear injection into a single cell of the mouse embryo, where it will randomly integrate into the mouse genome (Gordon J W et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1980; 77 (12): 7380-7384). This method creates a transgenic mouse and is used to insert new genetic information into the mouse genome or to over-express endogenous genes.

The second approach involves modifying embryonic stem cells with a DNA construct containing DNA sequences homologous to the target gene. Embryonic stem cells that recombine with the genomic DNA are selected for and they are then injected into the mice blastocysts (Thomas K R, Capecchi M R Cell 1987; 51 (3): 503-12). This method is used to manipulate a single gene, in most cases “knocking out” the target gene, although more subtle genetic manipulation can occur (e.g., only changing single nucleotides).

The third approach uses the CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas)) gene editing system. Mouse models can be generated with CRISPR/Cas9 by injecting Cas9 mRNA and either one or multiple single guide RNAs (sgRNA) directly into mouse embryos to generate precise genomic edits into specific loci (see, e.g., Harms D W et al. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 2014; 83(1); and Qin W et al. Genetics 2015; 200(2): 423-430). Mice that develop from these embryos are genotyped or sequenced to determine if they carry the desired mutation(s), and those that do are bred to confirm germline transmission. As CRISPR/Cas9 will work in most mouse strains, new mutations can be directly generated in a genetic background of choice. This eliminates the need, time, and resources to backcross mutations from one genetic background to another, which is a typical practice when generating mutant mice by traditional methods. New mutations also can be added to existing mouse strains that already carry desired mutations, reducing the time and costs to generate double and triple mutant mice.

Genetically modified mice of the present disclosure comprise a mutation in a gene encoding a MHC class I and/or class I molecule. It should be understood that various methods can be used to disrupt the MHC gene to produce a genetically modified animal. Additional methods of genetic engineering include, but are not limited to, chemical mutagenesis, irradiation, homologous recombination and transgenic expression of antisense RNA. Such techniques are well-known in the art and further include, but are not limited to, pronuclear microinjection and transformation of embryonic stem cells. See, e.g., J. P. Sundberg and T. Ichiki, Eds., Genetically Engineered Mice Handbook, CRC Press; 2006; M. H. Hofker and J. van Deursen, Eds., Transgenic Mouse Methods and Protocols, Humana Press, 2002; A. L. Joyner, Gene Targeting: A Practical Approach, Oxford University Press, 2000; Manipulating the Mouse Embryo: A Laboratory Manual, 3rd edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; Dec. 15, 2002, ISBN-10: 0879695919; Kursad Turksen (Ed.), Embryonic stem cells: methods and protocols in Methods Mol Biol. 2002; 185, Humana Press; Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology, ISBN: 978047015180; Meyer et al. PNAS USA, vol. 107 (34), 15022-15026.

The genetically modified NOD mice of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, are generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. For example, as provided herein, guide RNA (gRNA) molecules may be designed to target Cas9 nuclease to exon 3 of H2-K1 (e.g., ATAATCCGAGATTTGAGCCG; SEQ ID NO:12), to exon 2 of H2-D1 (e.g., GTACATCTCTGTCGGCTATG; SEQ ID NO:9), and/or to exon 2 of H2-AB1^(g7) (e.g., CCAACGGGACGCAGCGCATA (SEQ ID NO:15); CGACGTGGGCGAGTACCGCG (SEQ ID NO:16); CGAAGCGCAGGTACTCCTCC (SEQ ID NO:17); ACACAACTACGAGGAGACGG; SEQ ID NO:18). See Figures for example sequences.

A gRNA is a ribonucleic acid, in some embodiments, having a scaffold sequences that associates (e.g., binds to) Cas nuclease and a spacer sequence that determines specificity by binding to a target sequence (e.g., in the genome). Scaffold sequences are known and described, for example, in Jinek et al. Science 2012; 337(6096): 816-821, and Ran et al. Nature Protocols 2013; 8: 2281-2308. The gRNA spacer sequence, in some embodiments, has a length of about 15 to 25 (e.g., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25) nucleotides.

Non-limiting examples of Cas proteins that may be used as provided herein include Cas1, Cas1B, Cas2, Cas3, Cas4, Cas5, Cas5e (CasD), Cas6, Cas6e, Cas6f, Cas7, Cas8a1, Cas8a2, Cas8b, Cas8c, Cas9 (Csn1 or Csx12), Cas10, Cas10d, CasF, CasG, CasH, Cpf1, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, Cse1 (CasA), Cse2 (CasB), Cse3 (CasE), Cse4 (CasC), Csc1, Csc2, Csa5, Csn2, Csm2, Csm3, Csm4, Csm5, Csm6, Cmr1, Cmr3, Cmr4, Cmr5, Cmr6, Csb1, Csb2, Csb3, Csx17, Csx14, Csx10, Csx16, CsaX, Csx3, Csx1, Csx15, Csf1, Csf2, Csf3, Csf4, and Cu1966, and homologs or modified versions thereof. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is a Cas9 nuclease. The Cas9 nuclease may be obtained from Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei, Streptomyces pristinaespiralis, Streptomyces viridochromogenes, Streptomyces viridochromogenes, Streptosporangium roseum, Streptosporangium roseum, Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus selenitireducens, Exiguobacterium sibiricum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus salivarius, Microscilla marina, Burkholderiales bacterium, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans, Polaromonas sp., Crocosphaera watsonii, Cyanothece sp., Microcystis aeruginosa, Synechococcus sp., Acetohalobium arabaticum, Ammonifex degensii, Caldicellulosiruptor becscii, Candidatus Desulforudis, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Finegoldia magna, Natranaerobius thermophilus, Pelotomaculum thermopropionicum, Acidithiobacillus caldus, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Allochromatium vinosum, Marinobacter sp., Nitrosococcus halophilus, Nitrosococcus watsoni, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, Ktedonobacter racemifer, Methanohalobium evestigatum, Anabaena variabilis, Nodularia spumigena, Nostoc sp., Arthrospira maxima, Arthrospira platensis, Arthrospira sp., Lyngbya sp., Microcoleus chthonoplastes, Oscillatoria sp., Petrotoga mobilis, Thermosipho africanus, or Acaryochloris marina. In some embodiments, the Cas9 nuclease is from S. pyogenes, assigned SwissProt accession number Q99ZW2.

Also provided herein are cells comprising in the genome of the cells a homozygous mutation in a H2-K gene, a homozygous mutation in a H2-D gene, or a homozygous mutation in a H2-K gene and a homozygous mutation in a H2-D gene. The cells, in some embodiments, further comprise in the genome of the cells a homozygous mutation in a H2-A gene. A cell, in some embodiments, is isolated (e.g., not surrounded by tissue and/or vasculature, or not located within a mouse). A cell, in some embodiments, is isolated from (obtained from) from a genetically modified NOD mouse of the present disclosure. Non-limiting examples of cell types used as provided herein include endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, leukocytes, pancreatic cells, liver hepatocytes, and neuronal cells. These cells, in some embodiments, are useful in assay systems for identifying therapeutic agents described herein.

A humanized mouse is a genetically modified mouse expressing a human HLA molecule.

It should be understood that while the present disclosure primarily describes genetically modified mice, other animal model systems may be used. For example, the present disclosure encompasses other rodent (e.g., mouse and/or rat) models of T1D, such as spontaneous autoimmune models including NOD mice, BB rats and LEW.1AR1/-iddm rats, and genetically induced models including AKITA mice (see, e.g., King, Brit. J. Pharmacol. 2012; 166(3): 877-894).

Mouse Model for Diabetes Research

Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods that include administering a test agent to a genetically modified NOD mouse described herein, and assaying the genetically modified NOD mouse (e.g., a biological sample obtained from the modified NOD mouse) for a symptom of diabetes. The genetically modified NOD mice as provided herein may also be used, in some embodiments, to test the effects of MHC/HLA molecules, particularly combinations of MHC/HLA molecules, on the development and/or progression of diabetes. In some embodiments, the methods include introducing into the genome of the genetically modified NOD mice a nucleic acid encoding a human MHC class I molecule and/or a nucleic acid encoding a human MHC class II molecule, and producing humanized NOD mice comprising a genome that expresses the human MHC class I molecule and/or expresses the human MHC class II molecule. The humanized NOD mice (e.g., a biological sample obtained from the humanized NOD mice) may then be assessed for a symptom of diabetes (e.g., glycosuria and/or insulitis). Biological samples herein include, but are not limited to, blood (e.g., plasma and/or serum) samples, urine samples, saliva samples, bone marrow samples, spleen samples, liver samples, and cerebrospinal fluid samples.

A test agent may be administered orally and/or parenterally (e.g., intravenously, intraperitoneally, and/or subcutaneously). The dosage form for the administration is also appropriately determined depending on the administration route and/or properties of the test agent.

A test agent can be any chemical or biological agent, synthetic or naturally-occurring. Non-limiting examples of test agents include small organic or inorganic molecules, polypeptides (e.g., proteins, peptides), nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA, e.g., mRNA), carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, lipids, and combinations of the foregoing. In some embodiments, a test agent is an antibody (e.g., a monoclonal antibody, a scFv). In some embodiments, a test agent is an antigen (e.g., induces an immune response).

Assessing (e.g., assaying for) a symptom of diabetes includes assessing conditions associated with diabetes development and/or progression. Glycosuria, for example, is a condition characterized by an excess of sugar in the urine, typically associated with diabetes or kidney disease. Thus, assaying for a symptom of diabetes may include a urine test of animal to measure sugar levels. In some embodiments, diabetes development is defined by glycosuric values of ≥3, e.g., as assessed with a test strip capable of testing urine, blood, or plasma for the presence and concentration of glucose and/or and ketone (acetoacetic acid). In some embodiments, the test strip is Ames Diastix. In some embodiments, the test strip contains sodium nitroprusside for testing ketone, and/or contains glucose oxidase, peroxidase, and potassium iodide for testing glucose. In some embodiments, the test strip (e.g., Ames Diastix) is used to assess glycosuria weekly. T1D onset is defined, in some embodiments, by two readings of ≥0.25% (≥300 mg/dl in blood) on two separate days.

As another example, insulitis is an inflammation of the islets of Langerhans that can result in destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the islets and clinical diabetes. Thus, assaying for a symptom of diabetes may include measuring inflammation or other inflammatory responses in an animal. Insulitis development, in some embodiments, is assessed by histological analyses where mean insulitis scores are determined using a 0 (no visible lesions) to 4 (75-100% islet destruction) scoring method. For example, pancreases of the mice are fixed and sectioned at three nonoverlapping levels. Granulated β cells are stained with aldehyde fuchsin, and leukocytes are stained with a H&E counterstain. Islets (at least 20/mouse) are individually scored as follows: 0, no lesions; 1, peri-insular leukocytic aggregates, usually periductal infiltrates; 2, <25% islet destruction; 3, >25%-75% islet destruction; and 4, 75%-complete islet destruction. An insulitis score for each mouse can be obtained by dividing the total score for each pancreas by the number of islets examined. Data are presented as the mean insulitis score (MIS)±SEM for the indicated experimental group. See, e.g., Johnson et al J Immunol 2001; 167: 2404-2410.

B cells may contribute to diabetes in NOD mice by supporting development in the vicinity of pancreatic islets of tertiary lymphoid structures where pathogenic T cells might be activated. Thus, in some embodiment, B cells within pancreatic islet leukocytic infiltrates are assessed. For example, islet-infiltrating leukocyte populations (e.g., B cell populations) are isolated for flow cytometry. Islets can be isolated and cultured overnight on an individual donor basis, allowing for egress of associated leukocytes that are harvested for flow cytometric analyses of B-cell content. See, e.g., Serreze et al Diabetes 2011; 60: 2914-2921.

A normal level of glucose in human is in the range of from about 65 mg/dL to about 140 mg/dL. Diabetes can result in transient hyperglycemia as the organism is unable to maintain normoglycemia following a glucose load (for example, a carbohydrate-containing meal). Impaired glucose tolerance in humans can be defined as a plasma glucose concentration greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/1) two hours after ingestion of a 75 g oral glucose load. Normal ranges of blood sugar in mice are 60-130 mg/ml, similar to those in humans. Impaired insulin sensitivity can be determined by IV glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), insulin sensitivity test (1^(ST)), and continuous infusion of glucose with model assessment (CIGMA), or the glucose clamp. See, e.g., Krentz, Insulin Resistance (Wiley-Blackwell, 2002); de Paula Martins et al., Eur. J. Obst. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 133(2):203-207 (2007).

Type 1 diabetes may also be assessed by assaying blood sugar levels of a mouse, optionally in conjunction with the administration of a glucose tolerance test to the mouse. Titers of circulating autoantibodies (e.g., in diagnostic assays such as Western blot, ELISA, RIA, ELISPOT, and the like) may be assayed. See, e.g., Corte-Real et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009; 1173: 442-8.

Tests for detection of glucose, insulin and other metabolites for humans can be performed in mice with minor modifications (e.g., use 75 mg not 75 g of glucose for oral challenge) (see, e.g., Pacini et al. Journal of Diabetes Research, doi: 10.1155/2013/986906 (2013)). The oral glucose challenge test mimics the normal route of consuming carbohydrates. The ingested glucose (usually instilled into the stomach) is absorbed in the intestinal tract and enters the splanchnic circulation and then into the systemic circulation. The increased blood glucose concentration stimulates the pancreatic beta cell to release insulin, which stimulates glucose uptake by peripheral tissues. The passage of the nutrients through the early part of the intestine stimulates the release of the gut hormones (e.g., glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, GIP, and glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1), which in turn augment the beta cell sensitivity to glucose, increasing the production of insulin.

For example, in a 30-min-period after anesthesia, a gavage tube (outer diameter 1.2 mm) is placed in the stomach to be used to administer glucose (dose 75 mg/mouse) in few seconds (standardized volume of 0.5 mL, approximate energy content 0.171 kcal). Blood samples are collected from the retrobulbar, intraorbital, capillary plexus into heparinized tubes before and either 5, 10, and 20 min or 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after oral gavage.

Changes in a level of glucose, insulin or other analyte can be determined by comparison with an appropriate control, such as blood glucose levels in control animals that have not received the test substance, or control animals which do not have the deficient MHC molecule(s). Existing drugs for diabetes (e.g., T1D) can be used as positive controls.

T cell Assays for the detection of T cells with specific reactivities are well known in the art, and include the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and the ELISPOT assay. ELISPOT assays are described, for example in Taguchi et al., J Immunol Meth 1990, 128:65 and Sun et al., J Immunol 1991 146:1490. In some embodiments, transgene expression of HLA-A2.1 in the absence of any murine class I molecules restores the generation of pathogenic CD8⁺ T-cells mediating insulitis and T1D development (33). In some embodiments, transgene expression of HLA-B39 in the absence of murine class I molecules restores generation of T1D inducing CD8⁺ T-cells.

Rates of diabetes development or insulitis development may be assessed for statistically significant differences.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following Examples. These Examples are provided to aid in the understanding of the disclosure, and should not be construed as a limitation of the disclosure.

Example 1. Creation of Novel NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) Mice

We previously generated through combined use of the β2m^(−/−) mutation and HHD based transgenes, murine MHC class I deficient NOD mouse stocks expressing human HLA-A*02:01 (A2) (Takaki T et al. J. Immunol. 2006; 176: 3257) or HLA-B*39:06 (B39) (Sch J et al. J. Immunol. 2018; 200: 3353) counterparts capable of supporting diabetogenic CD8⁺ T-cell responses (4; 30; 31). However, the β2m^(−/−) mutation also ablates expression of non-classical class I molecules including CD1d or Qa-2 (FIGS. 1A-1B) and FcRn. Thus, the β2m^(−/−) mutation negatively impacts the ability to evaluate possible T1D interventions whose activities require non-classical MHCI/β2m protein complexes. For this reason, we created new direct-in-NOD MHC I knockout models to improve upon the first-generation HLA-humanized mice. We further envisioned these novel stocks would provide a means to understand the independent contributions of the K^(d) and D^(b) classical class I alleles to T1D pathogenesis in NOD mice. Initially NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice were generated utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 to target exon 2 of H2-D1^(b). Four resultant lines were bred to homozygosity (FIG. 2A, and data not shown). A NOD-H2-D^(−/−) line carrying a single nucleotide deletion within exon 2 (FIG. 2A) was chosen for in-depth analysis based on breeding proclivity. As expected, B220⁺ splenocytes (and other populations, FIG. 9 ) from H2-D^(−/−) mice lack H2-D, but retain H2-K expression (FIGS. 2B-2C). There are no obvious perturbations of thymic populations based on frequency (FIG. 2D-2E) or yield (FIG. 2F). However, there is a subtle shift in the percent of CD8⁺ T-cells in the spleen and pancreatic lymph node (PancLN) (FIGS. 2G-2H). This shift, however, did not correspond to any changes in the yield of either CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T-cells in spleens or PancLNs (FIG. 2I).

Next, we generated NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 to target exon 3 of H2-K1^(d). A line carrying a 2 bp deletion within exon 3 (FIG. 3A) was chosen for in-depth analysis based on breeding proclivity. As expected, NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice lack H2-K, but retain H2-D expression (FIGS. 3B-3C, FIG. 9 ). In contrast to the NOD-H2-D^(−/−) stock (FIGS. 2D-2E), NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice showed a small but significant percentage increase in DP and a reduction in CD8⁺-SP thymocytes (FIGS. 3D-3E) that did not translate to thymic yields (FIG. 3F). However, a more robust change in splenic and PancLN CD8⁺ T-cells percentage (FIGS. 3G-3H) was observed than in H2-D^(−/−) mice (FIGS. 2G-2H), leading to a drastic reduction in CD8⁺ T-cells in both organs, along with a slight rise in splenic CD4⁺ T-cell yields (FIG. 3I).

Having generated H2-D^(−/−) and H2-K^(−/−) NOD mice, we assessed the individual contributions of these variants to T1D development. Both NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice had significantly delayed and reduced T1D development compared to standard NOD controls but did not significantly differ from one another (FIG. 4A). Prior to their cryopreservation, several additional H2-D and H2-K knockout lines were assessed for T1D incidence, showing similar kinetics and penetrance (FIGS. 8A-8B). Additionally, compared to NOD controls, insulitis was decreased in both NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice at 10-15 weeks of age, as well as at the end of incidence, with no differences between the two groups (FIGS. 4B-4C).

We next examined the makeup of islet infiltrating CD8⁺ T-cells in NOD-H2-D^(−/−) and NOD-H2-K^(−/−) mice. Amongst islet infiltrating leukocytes, we found no difference in the percentage of T-cells between NOD and the two knockout lines (FIGS. 4D-4E). Interestingly, H2-D^(−/−) mice had similar frequencies of CD8⁺ T-cells amongst islet-infiltrating T-cells as NOD controls (FIGS. 4D-4F). H2K^(−/−) mice, however, had reduced and increased percentages of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T-cells, respectively, compared to both NOD and NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice. Unexpectedly, the frequencies of CD44⁺CD62L⁻ effector CD8⁺ T-cells but not CD44⁺CD62L⁺ central memory T-cells were increased in H2-K^(−/−) mice compared to both NOD and NOD-H2-D^(−/−) mice, with a concomitant reduction of CD44^(−/−)CD62L⁺ naïve cells (FIG. 4G).

Example 2. Creation of NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) Mice

We next simultaneously targeted H2-D1^(b) and H2-K1^(d) to generate NOD mice directly lacking expression of both classical murine MHC class I molecules. Three founders were generated carrying predicted frameshift mutations within exon 2 of H2-D1^(b) and H2-K1^(d) (FIG. 5A, and data not shown). Based on breeding proclivity we selected a NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) line carrying spaced 11 and 3 bp deletions within H2-D1 and a 1 bp deletion in H2-K1 (FIG. 5A) for analyses. As expected, these NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice lack H2-D and H2-K (FIG. 5B, FIG. 9 ). This lack of MHC I expression corresponded with a paucity of splenic CD8⁺TCRβ⁺ cells (FIGS. 5C-5D). Due to the ability of the NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) stock to express non-classical MHC Ib molecules, they were characterized by small, but significant increase in the yield of splenic CD8⁺ T-cells compared to NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice (FIGS. 5C-5D). Compared to standard NOD controls, both NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) and NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice had increased CD4⁺ yields, with this elevation greatest in the latter stock (FIG. 5D). Similar to NOD.β2m^(−/−) mice, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice were resistant to T1D (FIG. 5E, FIG. 8C) and insulitis out to thirty weeks of age (FIG. 5F).

Example 3. Second Generation NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 Mice

To test if it could be used as a new base model for HLA-“humanization” in lieu of stocks carrying the β2m^(−/−) mutation, we crossed NOD-A2 and NOD-B39 mice with the newly created NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) line. Like their earlier NOD.β2m^(−/−) counterparts, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice carrying A2—(FIG. 6A) or B39—(FIG. 6B) encoding transgenes have CD8⁺ T-cells. Also, similar to the earlier NOD.β2m^(−/−) platform, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA mice express their respective HLA-transgenes, but not murine H2-D and H2-K class I molecules (FIGS. 6C-6E). However, unlike their NOD.β2m^(−/−) counterparts, NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 mice express non-classical CD1d and Qa-2 (although for unknown reasons at different levels in the transgenics FIG. 10 ) class I molecules (FIGS. 6F-6G). One functional consequence of this is that NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA class I mice have CD1d-restricted NKT cells (FIGS. 6H-6I) a population whose therapeutic expansion could provide a means for T1D inhibition (42-44). Finally, T1D development and insulitis in both NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39 mice is highly penetrant (FIGS. 6J-6K).

Next, we determined whether FcRn functionality was restored in NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA class I mice. NOD, NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 were injected with mouse TNP-specific antibody 1B7.11 (FIG. 6L) or humanized Herceptin IgG1 antibody (FIG. 6M). As expected, murine 1B7.11 antibody was cleared within a week in NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2 mice (FIG. 6L). NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD mice both retained detectable 1B7.11 antibody out to thirty days post-injection (FIG. 6L). Injected Herceptin was rapidly cleared in NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2 mice, but was retained at detectable levels out to 30 days in both NOD and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 mice (FIG. 6M). These data indicate NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-HLA mice retain FcRn functionality.

Example 4. Creation of NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) Mice

Further advancement of humanized NOD models would incorporate relevant combinations of both HLA class I and II susceptibility alleles. Towards this end, we generated NOD mice completely lacking in expression of classical murine MHC molecules (NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−)) mice by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting exon 2 of H2-Ab1^(g7) in the NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) stock (FIG. 7A). This resulted in an 181 bp deletion within exon 2 of H2-Ab1^(g7) (FIG. 7B). As expected, NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice lack expression of H2-Ag, H2-K, and H2-D (FIGS. 7C-7D). Thy1.2⁺ cells were reduced to ˜12% of total splenocytes in NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice (FIGS. 7E-7F). Amongst residual Thy1.2⁺ cells, TCRαβ⁺ cells were reduced to 60% with a concomitant increase in the percentage of TCRγδ cells (FIGS. 7G-7H). Amongst residual TCRαβ⁺ cells, the yield of CD4⁺ T-cells was drastically reduced compared to both NOD and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice (FIG. 11A, FIG. 7I). The yield of CD8⁺ T-cells was reduced compared to NOD mice, but expanded compared to NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice (FIG. 11A, FIG. 7I). CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ double negative (FIG. 11A) and NKT-cells (FIG. 11B) were both slightly expanded in NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice in comparison to NOD and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice (FIG. 7I). Finally, when examined at nine-twelve weeks of age NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−) mice were virtually free of insulitis (FIG. 7J).

Methods Mice—General

NOD/ShiLtDvs (hereafter NOD) (Simecek P. et al. G3: GENES, GENOMES, GENETICS, 2015, doi.org/10.1534/g3.115.017046) and all other mouse strains described herein are maintained at The Jackson Laboratory under specific pathogen-free conditions. NOD-Tg(HLA-A/H2-D/B2M)1Dvs/Dvs (commonly called NOD-HHD, hereafter NOD-A2), NOD.Cg-B2m^(<tm1Unc>) Tg(HLA-A/H2-D/B2M)1Dvs/Dvs (hereafter NOD.β2m^(−/−)-A2), NOD.129P2(B6)-B2m^(tm1Unc) (hereafter NOD.β2m^(−/−)), and NOD/ShiLtDvs-Tg(HLA-B39/H2-D/B2M)2Dvs/Dvs (hereafter NOD-B39) have been previously described (11; 21; 31).

Mouse Model Development

NOD zygotes were injected with 100 ng/μL Cas9 mRNA and 50 ng/μL sgRNA containing specific guide sequences for the targeted gene and described in more detail in the figure legends. Mosaic founders were crossed back to the NOD background for at least one generation and resulting offspring analyzed for mutations using the procedures detailed below.

Genotyping NOD-H2-D^(−/−)

PCR amplification of exon 1 and 2 of H2-D1^(b) was performed with Batch 1: forward primer 5′-TCAGACACCCGGGATCCCAGATGG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:23) and reverse primer 5′-CGCGCTCTGGTTGTAGTAGCCGAG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:24) or Batch 2 forward primer 5′-GGCGAGATTCCAGGAGCCAA—3′ (SEQ ID NO:25) and reverse primer 5′-TTCCGGGTCCGTTCTGTTCC—3′ (SEQ ID NO:26). Sequencing for Batch 1 was performed with reverse primer 5′-CAGGTTCCTCAGGCTCACTC—3′ (SEQ ID NO:27) or 5′-TTTCCCGCTCCCAATACTC—3′ (SEQ ID NO:28). Sequencing primer for Batch 2 was performed with either the two reverse sequencing primers from Batch 1, or with Batch 1's forward primer. Zygosity was determined by restriction length polymorphisms using the above Batch 2 primers as the mutation described herein disrupts an XhoI restriction site within exon 2 (data not shown).

Genotyping NOD-H2-K^(−/−)

PCR amplification of Exon 2 and 3 of H2-K1^(d) was performed using forward primer 5′-ATTCGCTGAGGTATTTCGTC—3′ (SEQ ID NO:29) and reverse primer 5′-TTCTCTCCTTCCCTCCTGAGAC—3′ (SEQ ID NO:30). Sequencing was performed using forward primer 5′-CCCGGAACCGGTTTCCCTTT—3′ (SEQ ID NO:31). Homozygosity was confirmed by flow cytometry showing a lack of H2-K expression on blood B-cells.

Genotyping NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)

Sequencing of H2-D1^(b) was performed as described above. In order to sequence H2-K1^(d), a PCR product spanning most of exon 1 and 2 was amplified using forward primer 5′-AGTCGCTAATCGCCGACCAGT—3′ (SEQ ID NO:32) and reverse primer 5′-CGGGAAGTGGAGGGGTCGTG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:33). These primers were also used for sequencing. Homozygosity was additionally typed by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood B220⁺ cells showing a lack of H2-K and H2-D.

NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-A2 and NOD-cMHCI^(−/−)-B39

NOD-A2 or NOD-B39 mice were crossed to NOD-cMHCI^(−/−) mice. Resulting offspring were backcrossed to NOD-A2 or NOD-B39 mice. Offspring were selected for homozygosity of A2 or B39 transgenes. For qPCR analysis of the B39 transgene, forward primer 5′-GGAGACACGGAAAGTGAAGG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:34), reverse primer 5′-GGCCTCGCTCTGGTTGTAG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:35) and transgene probe 5′-6-FAM-CCGAGTGGACCTGGGGACCC—Black Hole Quencher 1-3′ (SEQ ID NO:36) were used. Internal control forward primer 5′-CACGTGGGCTCCAGCATT—3′ (SEQ ID NO:37), reverse primer 5′-TCACCAGTCATTTCTGCCTTTG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:38) and control probe 5′-Cy5-CCAATGGTCGGGCACTGCTCAA—Black Hole Quencher 2-3′ (SEQ ID NO:39) were also used. The specific qPCR conditions for the HHD transgene are publically available online for NOD-A2 mice (Jax strain 006604). Samples were run on a Light Cycler 480 (Roche). H2-D1 sequencing analysis as described above was used to identify MHCI^(+/−) mice, which were then intercrossed to fix MHCI^(−/−) mutations, and homozygosity was determined by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood B220⁺ cells showing a lack of H2-K and H2-D.

Genotyping NOD-cMHCI/II^(−/−)

To sequence H2-Ab1^(g7), a PCR product spanning exon 2 was amplified using the forward primer 5′-CATCCCTCCCTTGCTCTTCCTTAC—3′ (SEQ ID NO:40) and reverse primer 5′-TGAGGTCACAGCAGAGCCAG—3′ (SEQ ID NO:41). The same forward primer was used for sequencing this PCR product. Mice were additionally genotyped by amplification length polymorphisms (data not shown).

Sequencing

PCR products were amplified as described for each strain above (and FIGS. 8 and 11 ), then purified and analyzed by sequencing on the ABI 3730 DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). Mutant sequences were separated from WT using the PolyPeakParser package (37) for R.

Flow Cytometry

Single cell leukocyte suspensions were stained and run on a LSRII SORP (BD Biosciences), Attune Cytometer (ThermoFisher Scientific), or FACSAria II (BD Bioscience) with all analyses performed using FlowJo 10 (FlowJo, LLC). For splenic samples, single cell suspensions were lysed with Gey's Buffer to remove red blood cells (38). Doublet discrimination was performed (FSC-A vs FSC-H with additional SSC-A vs SSC-H gating for LSRII or SORP and FACSAria II panels), and live/dead discrimination assessed via propidium iodide staining. The following monoclonal antibodies were used: From BD Biosciences: H2-K^(d) (SF1-1.1), B220 (RA3-6B2), CD8α (53-6.7), CD4 (GK1.5 and RM4-5), CD62L (MEL-14), CD44 (IM7.8.1), CD19 (1D3), CD45.1 (A201.7), CD90.2 (53-2.1), H-2D^(b) (KH95), I-A^(d) (AMS-32.1); From BioLegend: H-2L^(d)/H-2D^(b) (28-14-8), H-2D^(b) (KH95), HLA-A,B,C (W6,32), CD8a (53-6.7), CD4 (GK1.5), Qa-2 (695H1-9-9), CD1d (1B1), CD90.2 (30-H12), TCRγδ (GL3). HLA-A2.1-specific mAb CR11-351 (21; 39) was also used. Mouse PBS-57:CD1d tetramer (hereafter CD1d-α-GalCer tetramer) was obtained from the NIH Tetramer Facility.

Monitoring T1D Development

Ames Diastix (Bayer) were used to assess glycosuria weekly. T1D onset was defined by two readings of ≥0.25% (≥300 mg/dl in blood) on two separate days.

Insulitis Scoring

Mean insulitis scores were determined as previously described using a 0 (no visible lesions) to 4 (75-100% islet destruction) scoring method (40).

Islet Associated Leukocyte Isolation

Islet-infiltrating leukocyte populations were isolated for flow cytometry as previously described (41).

Antibody PK study

Herceptin was detected from plasma samples using a human IgG ELISA kit according to the manufacturer's instructions (Mabtech). TNP/DNP cross-reactive IgG1 antibody 1B7.11 was detected from plasma samples by capturing with DNP-BSA (Calbiochem) coated onto ELISA plates (Costar) at 0.5 μg/ml PBS, blocked with 1% BSA in PBS+0.05% Tween 20, and detected with goat anti-mouse kappa-alkaline phosphatase (Southern Biotech).

Statistical Analysis

Prism 6 (GraphPad) was used to generate all graphs and statistics. All p-values for scatter dot plots are two-tailed Mann-Whitney analyses. All p-values for diabetes incidence studies are calculated by Mantel-Cox analysis.

CONSTRUCTS AND SEQUENCES “H2-K^(d)” H2-K1 (Havana Gene, NOD: OTTMUSG00000039404, GenBank: L36065.1) ATGGCACCCTGCACGCTGCTCCTGCTGTTGGCGGCCGCCCTGGCCCCCACTCAGACCCGCGCGGGCCCACATT CGCTGAGGTATTTCGTCACCGCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCTCGGGGAGCCCCGGTTCATCGCTGTCGGCTACGT GGACGACACGCAGTTCGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGCGGATAATCCGAGATTTGAGCCGCGGGCGCCGTGGAT GGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAGTATTGGGAGGAGCAGACACAGAGAGCCAAGAGCGATGAGCAGTGGTTCCGAG TGAGCCTGAGGACCGCACAGAGATACTACAACCAGAGCAAGGGCGGCTCTCACACGTTCCAGCGGATGTTCG GCTGTGACGTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGTACCAGCAGTTCGCCTACGACGGCCGCGATTACAT CGCCCTGAACGAAGACCTGAAAACGTGGACGGCGGCGGACACGGCGGCGCTGATCACCAGACGCAAGTGGG AGCAGGCTGGTGATGCAGAGTATTACAGGGCCTACCTAGAGGGCGAGTGCGTGGAGTGGCTCCGCAGATACC TGGAGCTCGGGAATGAGACGCTGCTGCGCACAGATTCCCCAAAGGCCCATGTGACCTATCACCCCAGATCTC AAGTTGATGTCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCTGATATCACCCTGACCTGGCAGTTGAA TGGGGAGGACCTGACCCAGGACATGGAGCTTGTAGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGAACCTTCCAGAAGTG GGCAGCTGTGGTGGTGCCTCTTGGGAAGGAGCAGAATTACACATGCCATGTGCACCATAAGGGGCTGCCTGA GCCTCTCACCCTGAGATGGAAGCTTCCTCCATCCACTGTCTCCAACACGGTAATCATTGCTGTTCTGGTTGTCC TTGGAGCTGCAATAGTCACTGGAGCTGTGGTGGCTTTTGTGATGAAGATGAGAAGGAACACAGGTGGAAAAG GAGTGAACTATGCTCTGGCTCCAGGCTCCCAGACCTCTGATCTGTCTCTCCCAGATGGTAAAGTGATGGTTCA TGACCCTCATTCTCTAGCGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 42) H2-K1<em1Dvs> ATGGCACCCTGCACGCTGCTCCTGCTGTTGGCGGCCGCCCTGGCCCCCACTCAGACCCGCGCGGGCCCACATT CGCTGAGGTATTTCGTCACCGCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCTCGGGGAGCCCCGGTTCATCGCTGTCGGCTACGT GGACGACACGCAGTTCGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGCGGATAATCCGAGATTTGA*CCGCGGGCGCCGTGGAT GGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAGTATTGGGAGGAGCAGACACAGAGAGCCAAGAGCGATGAGCAGTGGTTCCGAG TGAGCCTGAGGACCGCACAGAGATACTACAACCAGAGCAAGGGCGGCTCTCACACGTTCCAGCGGATGTTCG GCTGTGACGTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGTACCAGCAGTTCGCCTACGACGGCCGCGATTACAT CGCCCTGAACGAAGACCTGAAAACGTGGACGGCGGCGGACACGGCGGCGCTGATCACCAGACGCAAGTGGG AGCAGGCTGGTGATGCAGAGTATTACAGGGCCTACCTAGAGGGCGAGTGCGTGGAGTGGCTCCGCAGATACC TGGAGCTCGGGAATGAGACGCTGCTGCGCACAGATTCCCCAAAGGCCCATGTGACCTATCACCCCAGATCTC AAGTTGATGTCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCTGATATCACCCTGACCTGGCAGTTGAA TGGGGAGGACCTGACCCAGGACATGGAGCTTGTAGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGAACCTTCCAGAAGTG GGCAGCTGTGGTGGTGCCTCTTGGGAAGGAGCAGAATTACACATGCCATGTGCACCATAAGGGGCTGCCTGA GCCTCTCACCCTGAGATGGAAGCTTCCTCCATCCACTGTCTCCAACACGGTAATCATTGCTGTTCTGGTTGTCC TTGGAGCTGCAATAGTCACTGGAGCTGTGGTGGCTTTTGTGATGAAGATGAGAAGGAACACAGGTGGAAAAG GAGTGAACTATGCTCTGGCTCCAGGCTCCCAGACCTCTGATCTGTCTCTCCCAGATGGTAAAGTGATGGTTCA TGACCCTCATTCTCTAGCGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 43) H2-K1<em4Dvs> ATGGCACCCTGCACGCTGCTCCTGCTGTTGGCGGCCGCCCTGGCCCCCACTCAGACCCGCGCGGGCCCACATT CGCTGAGGTATTTCGTCACCGCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCTCGGGGAGCCCCGGTTCATCGCTGTCGGCTACGT GGACGACACGCAGTTCGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGCGGATAATCCGAGATTTGAGCCGCGGGCGCCGTGGAT GGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAGTATTGGGAGGAGCAGACACAGAGAGCCAAGAGCGATGAGCAGTGGTTCCGAG TGAGCCTGAGGACCGCACAGAGATACTACAACCAGAGCAAGGGCGGCTCTCACACGTTCCAGCGGATGTTCG GCTGTGACGTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGTACCAGCAGTTCGCCTACGACGGCCGCGATTACAT CGCCCTGAACGAAGACCTGAAAACGTGGACGGCGGCGGACACGGCGGCGCTGATCACCAGACGCAAGTGGG AGCAGGCTGGTGATGCAGAGT**TACAGGGCCTACCTAGAGGGCGAGTGCGTGGAGTGGCTCCGCAGATACC TGGAGCTCGGGAATGAGACGCTGCTGCGCACAGATTCCCCAAAGGCCCATGTGACCTATCACCCCAGATCTC AAGTTGATGTCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCTGATATCACCCTGACCTGGCAGTTGAA TGGGGAGGACCTGACCCAGGACATGGAGCTTGTAGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGAACCTTCCAGAAGTG GGCAGCTGTGGTGGTGCCTCTTGGGAAGGAGCAGAATTACACATGCCATGTGCACCATAAGGGGCTGCCTGA GCCTCTCACCCTGAGATGGAAGCTTCCTCCATCCACTGTCTCCAACACGGTAATCATTGCTGTTCTGGTTGTCC TTGGAGCTGCAATAGTCACTGGAGCTGTGGTGGCTTTTGTGATGAAGATGAGAAGGAACACAGGTGGAAAAG GAGTGAACTATGCTCTGGCTCCAGGCTCCCAGACCTCTGATCTGTCTCTCCCAGATGGTAAAGTGATGGTTCA TGACCCTCATTCTCTAGCGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 44) “H2-D^(b)” H2-D1 (Havana Gene, NOD: OTTMUSG00000039527 GenBank: L36068.1) ATGGGGGCGATGGCTCCGCGCACGCTGCTCCTGCTGCTGGCGGCCGCCCTGGCCCCGACTCAGACCCGCGCG GGCCCACACTCGATGCGGTATTTCGAGACCGCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCATCGAGGAGCCCCGGTACATCTCT GTCGGCTATGTGGACAACAAGGAGTTCGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGCGGAGAATCCGAGATATGAGCCGCG GGCGCCGTGGATGGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAGTATTGGGAGCGGGAAACACAGAAAGCCAAGGGCCAAGAG CAGTGGTTCCGAGTGAGCCTGAGGAACCTGCTCGGCTACTACAACCAGAGCGCGGGCGGCTCTCACACACTC CAGCAGATGTCTGGCTGTGACTTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGTACCTGCAGTTCGCCTATGAAG GCCGCGATTACATCGCCCTGAACGAAGACCTGAAAACGTGGACGGCGGCGGACATGGCGGCGCAGATCACCC GACGCAAGTGGGAGCAGAGTGGTGCTGCAGAGCATTACAAGGCCTACCTGGAGGGCGAGTGCGTGGAGTGG CTCCACAGATACCTGAAGAACGGGAACGCGACGCTGCTGCGCACAGATTCCCCAAAGGCACATGTGACCCAT CACCCCAGATCTAAAGGTGAAGTCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCTGACATCACCCTGA CCTGGCAGTTGAATGGGGAGGAGCTGACCCAGGACATGGAGCTTGTGGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGA ACCTTCCAGAAGTGGGCATCTGTGGTGGTGCCTCTTGGGAAGGAGCAGAATTACACATGCCGTGTGTACCATG AGGGGCTGCCTGAGCCCCTCACCCTGAGATGGGAGCCTCCTCCGTCCACTGACTCTTACATGGTGATCGTTGC TGTTCTGGGTGTCCTTGGAGCTATGGCCATCATTGGAGCTGTGGTGGCTTTTGTGATGAAGAGAAGGAGAAAC ACAGGTGGAAAAGGAGGGGACTATGCTCTGGCTCCAGGCTCCCAGAGCTCTGAAATGTCTCTCCGAGATTGT AAAGCGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 45) H2-D1<em4Dvs> ATGGGGGCGATGGCTCCGCGCACGCTGCTCCTGCTGCTGGCGGCCGCCCTGGCCCCGACTCAGACCCGCGCG GGCCCACACTCGATGCGGTATTTCGAGACCGCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCC**CGAGGAGCCCCGGTACATCTCT GTCGGCTATGTGGACAACAAGGAGTTCGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGCGGAGAATCCGAGATATGAGCCGCGG GCGCCGTGGATGGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAGTATTGGGAGCGGGAAACACAGAAAGCCAAGGGCCAAGAGC AGTGGTTCCGAGTGAGCCTGAGGAACCTGCTCGGCTACTACAACCAGAGCGCGGGCGGCTCTCACACACTCC AGCAGATGTCTGGCTGTGACTTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGTACCTGCAGTTCGCCTATGAAGG CCGCGATTACATCGCCCTGAACGAAGACCTGAAAACGTGGACGGCGGCGGACATGGCGGCGCAGATCACCCG ACGCAAGTGGGAGCAGAGTGGTGCTGCAGAGCATTACAAGGCCTACCTGGAGGGCGAGTGCGTGGAGTGGCT CCACAGATACCTGAAGAACGGGAACGCGACGCTGCTGCGCACAGATTCCCCAAAGGCACATGTGACCCATCA CCCCAGATCTAAAGGTGAAGTCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCTGACATCACCCTGACC TGGCAGTTGAATGGGGAGGAGCTGACCCAGGACATGGAGCTTGTGGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGAAC CTTCCAGAAGTGGGCATCTGTGGTGGTGCCTCTTGGGAAGGAGCAGAATTACACATGCCGTGTGTACCATGAG GGGCTGCCTGAGCCCCTCACCCTGAGATGGGAGCCTCCTCCGTCCACTGACTCTTACATGGTGATCGTTGCTG TTCTGGGTGTCCTTGGAGCTATGGCCATCATTGGAGCTGTGGTGGCTTTTGTGATGAAGAGAAGGAGAAACAC AGGTGGAAAAGGAGGGGACTATGCTCTGGCTCCAGGCTCCCAGAGCTCTGAAATGTCTCTCCGAGATTGTAA AGCGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 46) H2-D1<em5Dvs> ATGGGGGCGATGGCTCCGCGCACGCTGCTCCTGCTGCTGGCGGCCGCCCTGGCCCCGACTCAGACCCGCGCG GGCCCACACTCGATGCGGTATTTCGAGACCGCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCATCGAGGAGCCCCGGTACATCTCT GTCGG***********ACAAGGAGTTCGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGCGGAGAATCCGAGATAT***CCGCGGGCGC CGTGGATGGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAGTATTGGGAGCGGGAAACACAGAAAGCCAAGGGCCAAGAGCAGTG GTTCCGAGTGAGCCTGAGGAACCTGCTCGGCTACTACAACCAGAGCGCGGGCGGCTCTCACACACTCCAGCA GATGTCTGGCTGTGACTTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGTACCTGCAGTTCGCCTATGAAGGCCGC GATTACATCGCCCTGAACGAAGACCTGAAAACGTGGACGGCGGCGGACATGGCGGCGCAGATCACCCGACGC AAGTGGGAGCAGAGTGGTGCTGCAGAGCATTACAAGGCCTACCTGGAGGGCGAGTGCGTGGAGTGGCTCCAC AGATACCTGAAGAACGGGAACGCGACGCTGCTGCGCACAGATTCCCCAAAGGCACATGTGACCCATCACCCC AGATCTAAAGGTGAAGTCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCTGACATCACCCTGACCTGGC AGTTGAATGGGGAGGAGCTGACCCAGGACATGGAGCTTGTGGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGAACCTTCC AGAAGTGGGCATCTGTGGTGGTGCCTCTTGGGAAGGAGCAGAATTACACATGCCGTGTGTACCATGAGGGGC TGCCTGAGCCCCTCACCCTGAGATGGGAGCCTCCTCCGTCCACTGACTCTTACATGGTGATCGTTGCTGTTCTG GGTGTCCTTGGAGCTATGGCCATCATTGGAGCTGTGGTGGCTTTTGTGATGAAGAGAAGGAGAAACACAGGT GGAAAAGGAGGGGACTATGCTCTGGCTCCAGGCTCCCAGAGCTCTGAAATGTCTCTCCGAGATTGTAAAGCG TGA (SEQ ID NO: 47) “H2-A^(g7)” H2-Ab1^(g7) (Havana Gene, NOD: OTTMUSG00000039432 GenBank: M15848.1) ATGGCTCTGCAGATCCCCAGCCTCCTCCTCTCGGCTGCTGTGGTGGTGCTGATGGTGCTGAGCAGCCCAGGGA CTGAGGGCGGAGACTCCGAAAGGCATTTCGTGCACCAGTTCAAGGGCGAGTGCTACTTCACCAACGGGACGC AGCGCATACGGCTCGTGACCAGATACATCTACAACCGGGAGGAGTACCTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGTG GGCGAGTACCGCGCGGTGACCGAGCTGGGGCGGCACTCAGCCGAGTACTACAATAAGCAGTACCTGG AGCGAACGCGGGCCGAGCTGGACACGGCGTGCAGACACAACTACGAGGAGACGGAGGTCCCCACCTCC CTGCGGCGGCTTGAACAGCCCAATGTCGCCATCTCCCTGTCCAGGACAGAGGCCCTCAACCACCACAACACTC TGGTCTGTTCGGTGACAGATTTCTACCCAGCCAAGATCAAAGTGCGCTGGTTCAGGAATGGCCAGGAGGAGA CAGTGGGGGTCTCATCCACACAGCTTATTAGGAATGGGGACTGGACCTTCCAGGTCCTGGTCATGCTGGAGAT GACCCCTCATCAGGGAGAGGTCTACACCTGCCATGTGGAGCATCCCAGCCTGAAGAGCCCCATCACTGTGGA GTGGAGGGCACAGTCCGAGTCTGCCCGGAGCAAGATGTTGAGCGGCATCGGGGGCTGCGTGCTTGGGGTGAT CTTCCTCGGGCTCGGCCTTTTCATCCGTCACAGGAGTCAGAAAGGACCTCGAGGCCCTCCTCCAGCAGGGCTC CTGCAGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 48) H2-Aa1^(d) (Havana Gene, NOD: OTTMUSG00000039433 GenBank: K01923.1) ATGCCGTGCAGCAGAGCTCTGATTCTGGGGGTCCTCGCCCTGAACACCATGCTCAGCCTCTGCGGAGGTGAAG ACGACATTGAGGCCGACCACGTAGGCTTCTATGGTACAACTGTTTATCAGTCTCCTGGAGACATTGGCCAGTA CACACATGAATTTGATGGTGATGAGTTGTTCTATGTGGACTTGGATAAGAAGAAAACTGTCTGGAGGCTTCCT GAGTTTGGCCAATTGATACTCTTTGAGCCCCAAGGTGGACTGCAAAACATAGCTGCAGAAAAACACAACTTG GGAATCTTGACTAAGAGGTCAAATTTCACCCCAGCTACCAATGAGGCTCCTCAAGCGACTGTGTTCCCCAAGT CCCCTGTGCTGCTGGGTCAGCCCAACACCCTTATCTGCTTTGTGGACAACATCTTCCCACCTGTGATCAACATC ACATGGCTCAGAAATAGCAAGTCAGTCACAGACGGCGTTTATGAGACCAGCTTCCTCGTCAACCGTGACCATT CCTTCCACAAGCTGTCTTATCTCACCTTCATCCCTTCTGATGATGACATTTATGACTGCAAGGTGGAGCACTGG GGCCTGGAGGAGCCGGTTCTGAAACACTGGGAACCTGAGATTCCAGCCCCCATGTCAGAGCTGACAGAAACT GTGGTGTGTGCCCTGGGGTTGTCTGTGGGCCTTGTGGGCATCGTGGTGGGCACCATCTTCATCATTCAAGGCC TGCGATCAGGTGGCACCTCCAGACACCCAGGGCCTTTATGA (SEQ ID NO: 49) H2-Ab1<em1Dvs> ATGGCTCTGCAGATCCCCAGCCTCCTCCTCTCGGCTGCTGTGGTGGTGCTGATGGTGCTGAGCAGCCCAGGGA CTGAGGGCGGAGACTCCGAAAGGCATTTCGTGCACCAGTTCAAGGGCGAGTGCTACTTCACCAACGGGACGC AGCGC*********************************************************************** ***************************************************************************** **********************************CGGAGGT CCCCACCTCCCTGCGGCGGCTTGAACAGCCCAATGTCGCCATCTCCCTGTCCAGGACAGAGGCCCTCAACCAC CACAACACTCTGGTCTGTTCGGTGACAGATTTCTACCCAGCCAAGATCAAAGTGCGCTGGTTCAGGAATGGCC AGGAGGAGACAGTGGGGGTCTCATCCACACAGCTTATTAGGAATGGGGACTGGACCTTCCAGGTCCTGGTCA TGCTGGAGATGACCCCTCATCAGGGAGAGGTCTACACCTGCCATGTGGAGCATCCCAGCCTGAAGAGCCCCA TCACTGTGGAGTGGAGGGCACAGTCCGAGTCTGCCCGGAGCAAGATGTTGAGCGGCATCGGGGGCTGCGTGC TTGGGGTGATCTTCCTCGGGCTCGGCCTTTTCATCCGTCACAGGAGTCAGAAAGGACCTCGAGGCCCTCCTCC AGCAGGGCTCCTGCAGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 50) “HLA-A2.1, HLA-A2” HLA-A*02:01 IMGT/HLA: HLA00005 ATGGCCGTCATGGCGCCCCGAACCCTCGTCCTGCTACTCTCGGGGGCTCTGGCCCTGACCCAGACCTGGGCGG GCTCTCACTCCATGAGGTATTTCTTCACATCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCGCGGGGAGCCCCGCTTCATCGCAGT GGGCTACGTGGACGACACGCAGTTCGTGCGGTTCGACAGCGACGCCGCGAGCCAGAGGATGGAGCCGCGGG CGCCGTGGATAGAGCAGGAGGGTCCGGAGTATTGGGACGGGGAGACACGGAAAGTGAAGGCCCACTCACAG ACTCACCGAGTGGACCTGGGGACCCTGCGCGGCTACTACAACCAGAGCGAGGCCGGTTCTCACACCGTCCAG AGGATGTATGGCTGCGACGTGGGGTCGGACTGGCGCTTCCTCCGCGGGTACCACCAGTACGCCTACGACGGC AAGGATTACATCGCCCTGAAAGAGGACCTGCGCTCTTGGACCGCGGCGGACATGGCAGCTCAGACCACCAAG CACAAGTGGGAGGCGGCCCATGTGGCGGAGCAGTTGAGAGCCTACCTGGAGGGCACGTGCGTGGAGTGGCTC CGCAGATACCTGGAGAACGGGAAGGAGACGCTGCAGCGCACGGACGCCCCCAAAACGCATATGACTCACCA CGCTGTCTCTGACCATGAAGCCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGAGCTTCTACCCTGCGGAGATCACACTGACC TGGCAGCGGGATGGGGAGGACCAGACCCAGGACACGGAGCTCGTGGAGACCAGGCCTGCAGGGGATGGAAC CTTCCAGAAGTGGGCGGCTGTGGTGGTGCCTTCTGGACAGGAGCAGAGATACACCTGCCATGTGCAGCATGA GGGTTTGCCCAAGCCCCTCACCCTGAGATGGGAGCCGTCTTCCCAGCCCACCATCCCCATCGTGGGCATCATT GCTGGCCTGGTTCTCTTTGGAGCTGTGATCACTGGAGCTGTGGTCGCTGCTGTGATGTGGAGGAGGAAGAGCT CAGATAGAAAAGGAGGGAGCTACTCTCAGGCTGCAAGCAGTGACAGTGCCCAGGGCTCTGATGTGTCTCTCA CAGCTTGTAAAGTGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 51) “HLA-B39” HLA-B*39:06 IMGT/HLA: HLA00279 ATGCTGGTCATGGCGCCCCGAACCGTCCTCCTGCTGCTCTCGGCGGCCCTGGCCCTGACCGAGACCTGGGCCG GCTCCCACTCCATGAGGTATTTCTACACCTCCGTGTCCCGGCCCGGCCGCGGGGAGCCCCGCTTCATCTCAGT GGGCTACGTGGACGACACGCAGTTCGTGAGGTTCGACAGCGACGCCGCGAGTCCGAGAGAGGAGCCGCGGG CGCCGTGGATAGAGCAGGAGGGGCCGGAATATTGGGACCGGAACACACAGATCTGCAAGACCAACACACAG ACTGACCGAGAGAGCCTGCGGAACCTGCGCGGCTACTACAACCAGAGCGAGGCCGGGTCTCACACTTGGCAG ACGATGTACGGCTGCGACGTGGGGCCGGACGGGCGCCTCCTCCGCGGGCATAACCAGTTCGCCTACGACGGC AAGGATTACATCGCCCTGAACGAGGACCTGAGCTCCTGGACCGCGGCGGACACCGCGGCTCAGATCACCCAG CGCAAGTGGGAGGCGGCCCGTGTGGCGGAGCAGCTGAGAACCTACCTGGAGGGCACGTGCGTGGAGTGGCTC CGCAGATACCTGGAGAACGGGAAGGAGACGCTGCAGCGCGCGGACCCCCCAAAGACACATGTGACCCACCA CCCCATCTCTGACCATGAGGCCACCCTGAGGTGCTGGGCCCTGGGCTTCTACCCTGCGGAGATCACACTGACC TGGCAGCGGGATGGCGAGGACCAAACTCAGGACACCGAGCTTGTGGAGACCAGACCAGCAGGAGACAGAAC CTTCCAGAAGTGGGCAGCTGTGGTGGTGCCTTCTGGAGAAGAGCAGAGATACACATGCCATGTACAGCATGA GGGGCTGCCGAAGCCCCTCACCCTGAGATGGGAGCCATCTTCCCAGTCCACCGTCCCCATCGTGGGCATTGTT GCTGGCCTGGCTGTCCTAGCAGTTGTGGTCATCGGAGCTGTGGTCGCTGCTGTGATGTGTAGGAGGAAGAGTT CAGGTGGAAAAGGAGGGAGCTACTCTCAGGCTGCGTCCAGCGACAGTGCCCAGGGCTCTGATGTGTCTCTCA CAGCTTGA (SEQ ID NO: 52) “HLA-DQ8” HLA-DQA1*03:01 IMGT/HLA: HLA00608 ATGATCCTAAACAAAGCTCTGATGCTGGGGGCCCTCGCCCTGACCACCGTGATGAGCCCTTGTGGAGGTGAA GACATTGTGGCTGACCATGTTGCCTCTTACGGTGTAAACTTGTACCAGTCTTATGGTCCCTCTGGGCAGTACAG CCATGAATTTGATGGAGACGAGGAGTTCTATGTGGACCTGGAGAGGAAGGAGACTGTCTGGCAGTTGCCTCT GTTCCGCAGATTTAGAAGATTTGACCCGCAATTTGCACTGACAAACATCGCTGTGCTAAAACATAACTTGAAC ATCGTGATTAAACGCTCCAACTCTACCGCTGCTACCAATGAGGTTCCTGAGGTCACAGTGTTTTCCAAGTCTCC CGTGACACTGGGTCAGCCCAACACCCTCATCTGTCTTGTGGACAACATCTTTCCTCCTGTGGTCAACATCACCT GGCTGAGCAATGGGCACTCAGTCACAGAAGGTGTTTCTGAGACCAGCTTCCTCTCCAAGAGTGATCATTCCTT CTTCAAGATCAGTTACCTCACCTTCCTCCCTTCTGCTGATGAGATTTATGACTGCAAGGTGGAGCACTGGGGC CTGGATGAGCCTCTTCTGAAACACTGGGAGCCTGAGATTCCAACACCTATGTCAGAGCTCACAGAGACTGTGG TCTGCGCCCTGGGGTTGTCTGTGGGCCTCGTGGGCATTGTGGTGGGGACCGTCTTGATCATC CGAGGCCTGCGTTCAGTTGGTGCTTCCAGACACCAAGGGCCCTTGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 53) HLA-DQB1*03:02 IMGT/HLA: HLA00627 ATGTCTTGGAAGAAGGCTTTGCGGATCCCTGGAGGCCTTCGGGTAGCAACTGTGACCTTGATGCTGGCGATGC TGAGCACCCCGGTGGCTGAGGGCAGAGACTCTCCCGAGGATTTCGTGTACCAGTTTAAGGGCATGTGCTACTT CACCAACGGGACGGAGCGCGTGCGTCTTGTGACCAGATACATCTATAACCGAGAGGAGTACGCACGCTTCGA CAGCGACGTGGGGGTGTATCGGGCGGTGACGCCGCTGGGGCCGCCTGCCGCCGAGTACTGGAACAGCCAGAA GGAAGTCCTGGAGAGGACCCGGGCGGAGTTGGACACGGTGTGCAGACACAACTACCAGTTGGAGCTCCGCAC GACCTTGCAGCGGCGAGTGGAGCCCACAGTGACCATCTCCCCATCCAGGACAGAGGCCCTCAACCACCACAA CCTGCTGGTCTGCTCAGTGACAGATTTCTATCCAGCCCAGATCAAAGTCCGGTGGTTTCGGAATGACCAGGAG GAGACAACTGGCGTTGTGTCCACCCCCCTTATTAGGAACGGTGACTGGACCTTCCAGATCCTGGTGATGCTGG AAATGACTCCCCAGCGTGGAGACGTCTACACCTGCCACGTGGAGCACCCCAGCCTCCAGAACCCCATCATCGT GGAGTGGCGGGCTCAGTCTGAATCTGCCCAGAGCAAGATGCTGAGTGGCATTGGAGGCTTCGTGCTGGGGCT GATCTTCCTCGGGCTGGGCCTTATTATCCATCACAGGAGTCAGAAAGGGCTCCTGCACTGA (SEQ ID NO: 54) “HLA-DR3” HLA-DRB1*03:01 IMGT/HLA: HLA00671 ATGGTGTGTCTGAGGCTCCCTGGAGGCTCCTGCATGGCAGTTCTGACAGTGACACTGATGGTGCTGAGCTCCC CACTGGCTTTGGCTGGGGACACCAGACCACGTTTCTTGGAGTACTCTACGTCTGAGTGTCATTTCTTCAATGGG ACGGAGCGGGTGCGGTACCTGGACAGATACTTCCATAACCAGGAGGAGAACGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGTG GGGGAGTTCCGGGCGGTGACGGAGCTGGGGCGGCCTGATGCCGAGTACTGGAACAGCCAGAAGGACCTCCTG GAGCAGAAGCGGGGCCGGGTGGACAACTACTGCAGACACAACTACGGGGTTGTGGAGAGCTTCACAGTGCA GCGGCGAGTCCATCCTAAGGTGACTGTGTATCCTTCAAAGACCCAGCCCCTGCAGCACCATAACCTCCTGGTC TGTTCTGTGAGTGGTTTCTATCCAGGCAGCATTGAAGTCAGGTGGTTCCGGAATGGCCAGGAAGAGAAGACT GGGGTGGTGTCCACAGGCCTGATCCACAATGGAGACTGGACCTTCCAGACCCTGGTGATGCTGGAAACAGTT CCTCGGAGTGGAGAGGTTTACACCTGCCAAGTGGAGCACCCAAGCGTGACAAGCCCTCTCACAGTGGAATGG AGAGCACGGTCTGAATCTGCACAGAGCAAGATGCTGAGTGGAGTCGGGGGCTTTGTGCTGGGCCTGCTCTTCC TTGGGGCCGGGCTGTTCATCTACTTCAGGAATCAGAAAGGACACTCTGGACTTCAGCCAAGAGGATTCCTGAG CTGA (SEQ ID NO: 55) “HLA-DR4” HLA-DRB1*04:01 IMGT/HLA: HLA00685 ATGGTGTGTCTGAAGTTCCCTGGAGGCTCCTGCATGGCAGCTCTGACAGTGACACTGATGGTGCTGAGCTCCC CACTGGCTTTGGCTGGGGACACCCGACCACGTTTCTTGGAGCAGGTTAAACATGAGTGTCATTTCTTCAACGG GACGGAGCGGGTGCGGTTCCTGGACAGATACTTCTATCACCAAGAGGAGTACGTGCGCTTCGACAGCGACGT GGGGGAGTACCGGGCGGTGACGGAGCTGGGGCGGCCTGATGCCGAGTACTGGAACAGCCAGAAGGACCTCC TGGAGCAGAAGCGGGCCGCGGTGGACACCTACTGCAGACACAACTACGGGGTTGGTGAGAGCTTCACAGTGC AGCGGCGAGTCTATCCTGAGGTGACTGTGTATCCTGCAAAGACCCAGCCCCTGCAGCACCACAACCTCCTGGT CTGCTCTGTGAATGGTTTCTATCCAGGCAGCATTGAAGTCAGGTGGTTCCGGAACGGCCAGGAAGAGAAGAC TGGGGTGGTGTCCACAGGCCTGATCCAGAATGGAGACTGGACCTTCCAGACCCTGGTGATGCTGGAAACAGT TCCTCGGAGTGGAGAGGTTTACACCTGCCAAGTGGAGCACCCAAGCCTGACGAGCCCTCTCACAGTGGAATG GAGAGCACGGTCTGAATCTGCACAGAGCAAGATGCTGAGTGGAGTCGGGGGCTTCGTGCTGGGCCTGCTCTT CCTTGGGGCCGGGCTGTTCATCTACTTCAGGAATCAGAAAGGACACTCTGGACTTCAGCCAACAGGATTCCTG AGCTGA (SEQ ID NO: 56) “HLA-DQ2” HLA-DQA1*05:01 IMGT/HLA: HLA00613 ATGATCCTAAACAAAGCTCTGATGCTGGGGGCCCTTGCCCTGACCACCGTGATGAGCCCCTGTGGAGGTGAA GACATTGTGGCTGACCACGTCGCCTCTTATGGTGTAAACTTGTACCAGTCTTACGGTCCCTCTGGCCAGTACAC CCATGAATTTGATGGAGATGAGCAGTTCTACGTGGACCTGGGGAGGAAGGAGACTGTCTGGTGTTTGCCTGTT CTCAGACAATTTAGATTTGACCCGCAATTTGCACTGACAAACATCGCTGTCCTAAAACATAACTTGAACAGTC TGATTAAACGCTCCAACTCTACCGCTGCTACCAATGAGGTTCCTGAGGTCACAGTGTTTTCCAAGTCTCCCGTG ACACTGGGTCAGCCCAACATCCTCATCTGTCTTGTGGACAACATCTTTCCTCCTGTGGTCAACATCACATGGCT GAGCAATGGGCACTCAGTCACAGAAGGTGTTTCTGAGACCAGCTTCCTCTCCAAGAGTGATCATTCCTTCTTC AAGATCAGTTACCTCACCCTCCTCCCTTCTGCTGAGGAGAGTTATGACTGCAAGGTGGAGCACTGGGGCCTGG ACAAGCCTCTTCTGAAACACTGGGAGCCTGAGATTCCAGCCCCTATGTCAGAGCTCACAGAGACTGTGGTCTG CGCCCTGGGATTGTCTGTGGGCCTCGTGGGCATTGTGGTGGGCACTGTCTTCATCATCCGAGGCCTGCGTTCA GTTGGTGCTTCCAGACACCAAGGGCCCTTGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 57) HLA-DQB1*02:01 IMGT/HLA: HLA00622 ATGTCTTGGAAAAAGGCTTTGCGGATCCCCGGAGGCCTTCGGGCAGCAACTGTGACCTTGATGCTGTCGATGC TGAGCACCCCAGTGGCTGAGGGCAGAGACTCTCCCGAGGATTTCGTGTACCAGTTTAAGGGCATGTGCTACTT CACCAACGGGACAGAGCGCGTGCGTCTTGTGAGCAGAAGCATCTATAACCGAGAAGAGATCGTGCGCTTCGA CAGCGACGTGGGGGAGTTCCGGGCGGTGACGCTGCTGGGGCTGCCTGCCGCCGAGTACTGGAACAGCCAGAA GGACATCCTGGAGAGGAAACGGGCGGCGGTGGACAGGGTGTGCAGACACAACTACCAGTTGGAGCTCCGCA CGACCTTGCAGCGGCGAGTGGAGCCCACAGTGACCATCTCCCCATCCAGGACAGAGGCCCTCAACCACCACA ACCTGCTGGTCTGCTCGGTGACAGATTTCTATCCAGCCCAGATCAAAGTCCGGTGGTTTCGGAATGACCAGGA GGAGACAGCTGGCGTTGTGTCCACCCCCCTTATTAGGAATGGTGACTGGACCTTCCAGATCCTGGTGATGCTG GAAATGACTCCCCAGCGTGGAGACGTCTACACCTGCCACGTGGAGCACCCCAGCCTCCAGAGCCCCATCACC GTGGAGTGGCGGGCTCAATCTGAATCTGCCCAGAGCAAGATGCTGAGTGGCATTGGAGGCTTCGTGCTGGGG CTGATCTTCCTCGGGCTGGGCCTTATCATCCATCACAGGAGTCAGAAAGGGCTCCTGCACTGA (SEQ ID NO: 58)

REFERENCES

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All references, patents and patent applications disclosed herein are incorporated by reference with respect to the subject matter for which each is cited, which in some cases may encompass the entirety of the document.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

The terms “about” and “substantially” preceding a numerical value mean±10% of the recited numerical value.

Where a range of values is provided, each value between the upper and lower ends of the range are specifically contemplated and described herein. 

1. A genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a mutation in a gene encoding H2-K and/or a mutation in a gene encoding H2-D.
 2. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1 comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a mutation in a gene encoding H2-K and a mutation in a gene encoding H2-D.
 3. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1, wherein the genome of the NOD mouse comprises a homozygous mutation the gene encoding H2-K.
 4. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1, wherein the genome of the NOD mouse comprises a homozygous mutation in the gene encoding H2-D.
 5. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1, wherein cells of the mouse do not express H2-K and/or do not express H2-D.
 6. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1, wherein the gene encoding H2-K is H2-K1^(d) and/or the gene encoding H2-D is H2-D1^(b).
 7. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1 further comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse a mutation in a gene encoding H2-A.
 8. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 7, wherein the genome of the NOD mouse comprises a homozygous mutation in the genes encoding H2-A.
 9. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 7, wherein cells of the mouse do not express H2-A.
 10. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 7, wherein the gene encoding H2-A is H2-Ab1^(g7).
 11. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 7, wherein the genome of the NOD mouse further comprises a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-A and/or a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-B
 12. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 11, wherein the HLA-A is HLA-A*02:01 (HLA-A2) and/or the HLA-B is HLA-B*39:06 (HLA-B39).
 13. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1, wherein the genome of the NOD mouse further comprises a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DQ and/or a nucleic acid encoding human HLA-DR.
 14. The genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 14, wherein the HLA-DQ is HLA-DQ8 and/or the HLA-DR is HLA-DR3/4.
 15. A genetically modified non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse comprising in the genome of the NOD mouse: a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a homozygous mutation in H2-Ab1^(g7), optionally designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-Ab1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs)/Dvs; a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a human HLA-A2 transgene, optionally designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-A/H2-D/B2M)1Dvs/Dvs; or a homozygous mutation in H2-D1^(b), a homozygous mutation in H2-K1^(d), and a human HLA-B39 transgene, optionally designated NOD/ShiLtDvs-H2-K1^(em1Dvs) H2-D1^(em5Dvs) Tg(HLA-B39/H2-D/B2m)2Dvs/Dvs. 16.-17. (canceled)
 18. A method of producing the genetically modified NOD mouse of any one of claim 1 using CRISPR/Cas genome editing to introduce at least one of the mutations into the genome of the NOD mouse.
 19. A cell comprising in the genome of the cell a homozygous mutation in a gene encoding H2-K and/or a homozygous mutation in a gene encoding H2-D. 20.-21. (canceled)
 22. A rodent comprising the cell of claim
 19. 23. A method comprising administering a test agent to the genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1, and assaying the genetically modified NOD mouse for a symptom of diabetes.
 24. A method comprising introducing into the genome of the genetically modified NOD mouse of claim 1 a nucleic acid encoding a human MHC class I molecule and/or a nucleic acid encoding a human MHC class II molecule, and producing a humanized NOD mouse comprising a genome that expresses the human MHC class I molecule and/or expresses the human MHC class II molecule. 25.-28. (canceled) 